"Then give me an answer. Help me understand what you did in the underworld, why and at what cost?"

  Viv waved her arms in the air. "Does this always have to be about money, Ciaran?"

  "No, there are things more precious than money, things money cannot buy. But a cost is a cost. It's a reality any grown-up has to deal with ..."

  "Oh no ..." Eamon's moan was audible.

  "What is the problem, Eamon?"

  "Are those the women you are after?"

  Eamon pointed down to a blaze of bonfire in the middle of the thick woods."

  Ciaran looked out the windshield and down. He was right. No ordinary human would have a bonfire at this hour in these woods. Only shifters like Quinn and Fiona would do that.

  "I'll find a place for the helicopter." He looked at Viv. "We haven't finished our conversation yet, Viv. But I've appreciated it if you keep your cool level, and focus until we finish with Killian's challenge. Can you do that?"

  Viv nodded. "Wolf Head..."

  "It's Killian."

  "Yeah yeah, Killian is okay. I'll do that for him. Keep my shit together--as long as you and the old man don't pry any further."

  The trio approached the shimmering bonfire with a mix of caution and urgency. The protective spell Fiona cast pulsed with intensity, and its radiance bathed Quinn's unconscious form in an eerie light. Her breath was shallow, and she looked vulnerable without her spiritual tiger guarding her.

  Fiona turned toward the trio, her eyes filled with worry. "The attacker took Quinn's tiger."

  Quinn lay there, a formidable tiger shifter, looking frail and defenseless. To the untrained eye, she might seem to be just a person in a deep sleep. But Ciaran knew better. The spirit animal of a shifter wasn't just a sign of power; it was an integral part of their being. The spirit animal acted as a guardian, a guide, and a constant companion.

  To a shifter, their spirit animal was an anchor. It tethered them to the primal forces of nature, gave them strength, and connected them to their ancestral lineage. Without it, a shifter was akin to a ship lost at sea, adrift and at the mercy of the currents.

  Tiger shifters, especially, drew significant strength from their spirit animals. The tiger was not just a symbol of power and majesty but also of cunning and strategy. In battle, the presence of the spirit tiger could make all the difference. It could be the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat.

  "What are they?" Ciaran's voice cut through the night, a hint of impatience and concern evident in his tone.

  "Not by a shifter, I'm sure of it. It felt... otherworldly. Like something from the divine realm," Fiona said, her voice hoarse, hinting at the strain the protective spell placed on her.

  Ciaran's eyes darkened. "Given the alpha challenge happening right now, this attack can't be a coincidence. We need to get back to the sanctuary, now."

  Eamon, sensing the aura around the bonfire, murmured, "There's the presence of creatures from the underworld here."

  Viv, her focus on the ashes, traced patterns with her fingers. There was an intensity in her gaze, as if she was deciphering a code or reading a story written in the remnants of the fire.

  Ciaran watched her closely. "What are you thinking?"

  She hesitated for a moment, her young face a mask of concentration. "I'm not sure yet."

  He eyed her, sensing she was holding back. "Whatever you're contemplating, don't act rashly."

  Viv met his gaze, a storm of emotions behind her eyes, but she merely nodded in acknowledgment.

  In the helicopter, Viv sat at the front next to Ciaran, who was skillfully controlling the chopper. The rhythmic beat of the rotors and the cool air from outside filled the cabin, creating a somewhat soothing atmosphere, despite the tension everyone felt.

  After several moments, Viv turned toward Ciaran. "It has a shadow," she murmured, her voice barely above the noise.

  Ciaran spared a glance her way. "What does?"

  She swallowed hard, her green eyes darting as if she expected something to jump out at them. "There's a being... hovering nearby. Not a spirit, because it has a shadow. Light, wispy, not fully formed. But it's there. And it looked...angry."

  "You saw something and you didn't tell us?"

  "Well, you can't go blasting it with your firearms. Those shifters wouldn't have stood a chance and would have lost their precious animals. And don't get me started on spells - I ain't got no clue what the hell I'm even looking at! Do you seriously think that hollering and pointing like a jackass could have done us any good? Come on!"

  "How can you be so sure it's not flying up here with us?"

  "Because it had a shadow, it's not like those gods or djinn to just poof and then appear wherever they want. And it had no wings that I could see. So, it's not here and it's not going to fly after us. Happy?"

  “You got a point, Viv. Sorry,” Ciaran asked, his grip on the controls tightening. “What did it look like? Can you describe it?”

  Viv let out a long breath. "It was kinda short, but it still towered over me. Obviously bald, and swathed in robes that were almost ethereal, like smoke or something. Its face was screwed up with rage, its eyes blazing an intense amber color. And there were fucking tats everywhere - spider webs, vines and thorns - you name it."

  Ciaran's heart rate quickened. He knew that description all too well. "Tenzin," he muttered, more to himself than to Viv.

  She blinked. "You know him?"

  I had shot him in the head not long ago, so I assumed that I had just turned his body into a corpse. But the bullet hadn't completely ended him.

  Viv looked uneasy. "And now he's back? As... what?"

  "I'm not sure," Ciaran replied, his eyes scanning the horizon as if expecting to see the disgraced monk at any moment.

  “Can a spirit capture the spirit animal of a shifter?” Eamon asked from the back of the helicopter.

  “I don’t think so,” Ciaran answered. “But I’m not an expert. You’ll have to ask Ivy and Killian that question.

  Ciaran looked at Viv. “Remember the being that captured you?”

  Viv snorted. “Yeah, totally. I blasted his cave, assuming he was inside. He wants to be supernatural, do magic and all. But he didn’t get there. He’s still just a human—a body and an ass I can kick.”

  “Well, I think it was the same one that captured Ciaran's wolf. But when we fought him to get Killian's wolf back, he was monstrous...”

  “Like being evil?” Viv's eyes widened in shock.

  “No, he appeared in a hideous form with supernatural power. Are you sure he was a human trying to practice magic?”

  “I was sure… now I'm not!”

  Ciaran shook his head. “Tenzin is on the same boat. He's human but trying to tangle with the supernatural and turn himself into something else. If he's here, and he's involved, we need to be prepared.”

  A loud bang hid the side of the helicopter, sending it into a spin.

  The group grabbed onto whatever they could find to brace themselves, their eyes wide with fear as they tried to see what had caused the impact.

  Eamon shouted over the sound of the rotor blades. "We're under attack!"

  "Are they supernatural?" Ciaran asked.

  "Worse." Eamon replied.

  Chapter

  Ten

  Ivy leaned against the window frame, gazing out at the expanse of the sanctuary beyond the fence line. Her fingertips lightly moved across the tarot card she had just drawn.

  She felt Killian’s presence before she saw him. His aura was both calming and electrifying. He approached, the dim lights of the sanctuary casting deep shadows on his chiseled face. He stood close, just enough space between them to allow the tension to dance.

  "What did the card say?"

  She smiled at him. They had come so far since they first met, when he had been skeptical about her tarot card deck. He asked her to seek answers from it now.

  “Six of Cups. It's about reunion, safety, and homecoming. Quinn is fine and coming home soon.”

  He nodded. “Thanks.”

  “You don't think I'm making this up to make you feel better while you're waiting for Ciaran's call and your brain is on fire with anxiety? We're connected in all sorts of ways; I can feel you, remember?”

  She couldn't help but feel her stomach flip when he flashed his trademark LeBlanc smile. Moving toward her, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, as if he could read her thoughts.

  Waves of energy surged inside his body and spilled over to her like an overflowed fountain.

  The intensity of their connection was palpable, and Ivy couldn't help but feel her body respond to his touch.

  Killian gently pushed her back against the wall, his hands roaming over her body. His intense gaze sent shivers down her spine. Ivy felt herself surrendering to the moment as Killian's lips moved down from her mouth, leaving a trail of kisses along her neck.

  His hands slid down her waist and over her hips, pulling her close to him. Ivy could feel the hardness of his body pressed against hers, and she knew she wanted him.

  Without hesitation, she reached for his shirt, pulling it off his muscular frame, revealing his toned chest. Killian lifted Ivy up, her legs wrapping around his torso as he carried her over to the couch.

  As they kissed hungrily, Ivy felt Killian's hands moving underneath her shirt, teasing her skin.

  She arched her back, wanting more.

  Their passion only grew stronger as they surrendered to each other. Ivy had never felt this alive before. Every touch, every kiss, felt like pure bliss.

  Then, she stepped away and dropped her shirt to the floor.

  "You'll have to earn it this time, Killian."

  He smiled, amused by the challenge.

  Stepping into the center of the room, she assumed a fighting stance.

  He shook his head. "No, you don't seem to remember what happened last time, Ivy."

  "I remember vividly, Killian. We liked to play rough."

  "No, I hurt you," he said firmly. "It won't happen again."

  "You mean you won't let it happen again," she challenged.

  "The adrenaline will get out of control if we fight, Ivy."

  "You can doubt yourself all you want, but never doubt me, Killian. You caught me off guard last time. This time? You won't get that chance. Ready to go?"

  “I will not fight you.”

  “Then you won't have sex. Simple as that.”

  He nodded. “Fine. Then let's not.” He turned to walk away.

  She charged at him, tackling him from the back and sending them both crashing down to the floor.

  She quickly withdrew, but before he could scramble back up and turn back to her, she had resumed a fighting stance and slammed a hard kick into his abdomen, sending him skidding back several steps.

  “Ivy!” He growled a warning.

  That was more like him.

  She bounced on her feet, distributing her weight more on one leg then switching to another, giving her the maximum amount of flexibility.

  “Don't do this, Ivy.”

  She charged at him again and delivered a roundhouse kick to his left shoulder. He didn't even bother attempting to block the attack. She lowered her leg before lifting it high once more, connecting with his shoulder a second time.

  Again, he simply allowed it to happen.

  She kicked out one last time, however this time, he grabbed her foot before impact, then pushed her back.

  Ivy charged forward again, closing in quickly as she stretched out her right arm to grab at his neck. She could use this hold to rip the throat out of an opponent much larger than herself if she wanted.

  Instinctively, Killian grabbed ahold of her right hand with his left and simultaneously reached out with his right fist, stopping just an inch from her face.

  She smiled. “I see your control is impeccable.”

  He pushed her away for a second time. “Don't test me, Ivy.”

  “I know your limits; you're nowhere near them. You can control your power and the force within you." She unleashed a two-foot kick on his chest. At this intensity, she could break someone's ribs and puncture their lungs. But that did nothing to Killian provoking him, and the demon inside him making him angry.

  His striking blue eyes began to deepen into a fiery red shade. She could feel his blood boil.

  "I can see the demon. I can feel your adrenaline surge," she approached, placing a hand on his bare chest. His muscles quivered under her touch.

  She could feel the urges from the demon growling inside him, pushing for violence, lashing out and thirsting for blood. It felt as if his veins were going to burst if he didn't give in to the urges. But he stood still, and let the demonic urges pulse.

  “That's for the violence. I know I'm pushing your limits now. Let's push those urges over the limit, but channel it into love.”

  He stayed as still as a stone. Every ounce of his energy was expended on restraining the demon from taking control.

  She kissed his neck tenderly, and then moved her lips up to his jaw line, finally settling on his warm lips. She entered his mouth with her kiss, though neither of them closed their eyes. It wasn't a passionate kiss, but rather a test of his control.

  His eyes now glowed an intense red, that of a fully unleashed demon. But his kiss and movement were unmistakably Killian's -- even more gentle than normal.

  His hands trailed down her spine, and then moved up to her shoulders, where he held her close. She could feel his heart pound against his chest now, struggling to keep the demon from taking control. He shuddered slightly, and she smiled against him.

  She stopped her kiss. “How does the control feel?"

  “You're still testing me.”

  “Yes, but I'm going to stop..."

  He ravenously kissed her; she responded with fervor. They both knew they could take this to the next level now.

  She intensified the kiss

  And closed her eyes.

  “I will never hurt you,” he said into her mouth.

  She opened her eyes, and looked directly into his. “I know.”

  “Show me.”

  She acquiesced, and they let each other go. They stood still for a moment, looking into each other's eyes.

  "I love you," she said.

  “Then show me how much,” he said in a deep, husky tone.

  Her hands cupped his face tenderly. She kissed him hard, yet tenderly, with all the affection she could muster. She didn't want to hold back. She wanted to show him everything she felt, everything she ever had, and everything she would ever have for him. She had nothing to hide anymore; he had seen everything.

  She was naked before him, both figuratively and literally, though nakedness didn't seem significant anymore.

  Their kisses slowed to an erratic pace. Their eyes were still locked in an embrace, a moment of eternity.

  In that moment, the world began to move again.

  Her hands trailed down his body, taking in the warmth of his firm skin.

  Ivy felt her body heating up, the sensation of his lips on hers sending shivers down her spine. Their kiss deepened, becoming more passionate by the second.

  Killian's hands roamed over her body, caressing every inch of her skin as they kissed hungrily. Ivy moaned softly into his mouth, her fingers tangling into his hair as she pulled him closer to her.

  Suddenly, Killian pulled back, his eyes still blazing with the red hue of the demon, but she knew that it was not in control.

  Killian had complete control of his thoughts and his actions.

  "Ivy, I want to be with you. All the way."

  "Then be with me."

  He carried her to the window sill, his eyes never leaving hers as he positioned himself between her legs and thrust into her in one powerful movement.

  Ivy gasped loudly, a primal moan of pleasure erupting from her lips as Killian drove himself deeper and harder inside of her.

  The sensation was overwhelming, each stroke like electricity coursing through their bodies; fusing them together in perfect harmony.

  Ivy's walls clenched around him, drawing every last drop of pleasure from Killian until they both exploded with ecstasy.

  They collapsed onto the window sill, their bodies still entwined as their ragged breath echoed against the walls.

  Ivy and Killian lay there together, panting for breath, still in each other's embrace. Ivy's heart was beating fast, almost painfully through her chest.

  For the first time in her life she felt completely safe; not only did she feel loved, but also respected. She had finally found someone to cherish her - and it was deep within those comforting arms of his that she finally felt the security that had been missing for so long from her life.

  Killian looked into Ivy's eyes with a tenderness that filled her soul with warmth. He ran a gentle finger down the side of her face as he spoke.

  "I love you, Ivy." His voice was low and gentle, yet firm and sincere.

  She looked up at him in awe, tears streaming down her cheeks. She had never heard these words from anyone before; they meant so much more than just three little words. They were the words of commitment - a statement of devotion and desire that could not be taken away or broken easily.

  All the doubts and fears she had ever felt about opening up to someone melted away in an instant; here was someone who truly cared for her and wanted to make sure that nothing would hurt her ever again.

  Slowly, Ivy reached out to lightly brush his lips with hers before answering him in a whisper filled with emotion.

  "I love you too."

  His eyes had returned to their usually striking blue now.

  She kissed his lush lips. "Welcome back, Killian."

  He smiled."I want to be with you, Ivy. All of me."

  "Yes, but didn't we just ..."

  With one thrust, he was inside her again.

  "My wolf wants to give you pleasure." He smiled.

  "It wants its mate to be happy."

  Ivy moaned and clung to him as he picked up the pace, pounding into her.

  Her body craved his touch, and she was more than happy to give herself up to him completely.

  The sounds of their lovemaking echoed off the walls of the stone room, amplifying their pleasure.

  Ivy's breasts bounce as Killian delivered a particularly hard thrust into her.

 

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