Scarlett elbowed me hard. “Focus, lover boy. We just fought a battle, remember?”

  Right on cue, my muscles screamed in protest. The adrenaline crash hit me.

  Lyra’s antlers glowed softly. “Allow me to ease your burdens, brave ones.”

  She raised her arms, and suddenly we were caught in a gentle rain of glittering droplets. It was warm, tingling against my skin. The aches melted away, replaced by a surge of vitality.

  “Bottle that up,” I gasped. “That’s some good stuff.”

  The girls looked equally amazed, their wounds vanishing before my eyes.

  Mina stretched luxuriously. “I feel like I could take on an army.”

  “Maybe we will,” Willow said grimly. “Who knows what’s waiting for us out there?”

  I nodded, a fire burning in my gut. “Whatever it is, we’re ready for it now.”

  Lyra’s expression turned serious, her blue eyes darkening like storm clouds. “Listen up. There’s some gnarly stuff out there that’d make your hair stand on end.”

  I leaned in, drawn by her melodic accent. “Hit us with it, tree girl.”

  She shot me a look that was half-amused, half-exasperated. “There’s dark forces at work. They’re trying to mess with the forest’s mojo, you feel me?”

  Scarlett held up the Heartwood Amulet, its soft glow illuminating her face. “And this little beauty? What’s its deal?”

  Lyra’s eyes lit up. “That amulet’s the key to keeping things chill. It’s got mad power to restore the natural balance.”

  My mind raced with possibilities. And dangers. “So the baddies probably want it, huh?”

  “No shit,” Lyra nodded. “We gotta keep it safe and figure out how to use it.”

  I couldn’t help but grin. “Sounds like a job for Team Awesome.”

  Mina rolled her eyes. “We are not calling ourselves that.”

  I shook off her comment and focused on our next move. “Alright, gang. Time to head back to Aetherfall Manor. We’ve got an amulet to study and some serious planning to do.”

  Her full lips tightened into a determined line as she flexed her strong hands, ever ready for combat.

  “Agreed. I’m itching to crack open some of those dusty tomes in the library. Might shed some light on this whole mess.”

  As we set off, Lyra took point.

  The forest seemed to bend to her will, branches parting to clear our path. It was like watching Moses part the Red Sea, only with more leaves and less sand.

  Willow fell into step beside me, her feather-adorned hair bobbing gently. “How are you holding up, Jack? That battle with Gornath took a lot out of you.”

  I flexed my arms, feeling the phantom pain of absorbed blows. “Nothing a hot shower and a cold beer won’t fix. You know me, I’m like a damn Energizer bunny.”

  She chuckled softly, but I caught the concern in her eyes. I knew she could sense the toll my power took, even if I tried to hide it.

  As we trekked through the forest, my mind wandered to the challenges ahead. The Heartwood Amulet felt like a ticking time bomb in our possession. How long before the bad guys came knocking?

  I glanced at my companions - Scarlett’s fierce determination, Willow’s quiet strength, Mina’s sharp intelligence, and Lyra’s newfound alliance. A warm feeling spread through my chest.

  “Whatever comes next,” I thought, “at least I’ve got one hell of a group to face it with.”

  Chapter 18

  Icouldn’t stop staring at Lyra across the dinner table. Her delicate features were mesmerizing - those bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief, her soft pink lips curved in a slight smile. The way her auburn hair caught the candlelight made it look like flickering flames. Even her little antlers were cute, giving her an exotic charm.

  The other girls definitely noticed my attention on our new guest. Scarlett kept smirking at me knowingly, while Mina rolled her eyes. I tried to play it cool, but damn, Lyra was hot.

  “So Lyra,” I said, trying to sound casual, “tell us more about where you’re from. I’ve never met a forest nymph before.”

  Lyra’s eyes lit up. “Oh, what you saw down was just the beginning. The Redwoodlands are magical! Towering red woods, moss-covered rocks, hidden waterfalls. It’s like something out of a fairytale.”

  Her accent was adorable, with a slight lilt to her words. As she described her home, I could almost picture the lush, misty woods.

  “The melody of nature you describe resonates deeply within me,” Willow murmured, her eyes reflecting a longing to witness the beauty. “I yearn to be amidst its symphony one day.”

  Lyra’s expression darkened slightly. “It was beautiful. Before the dark forces came and destroyed my grove.”

  A heavy silence fell over the table.

  Way to kill the mood, Jack.

  “I’m so sorry,” Willow said softly. “That must have been awful.”

  Lyra nodded, her eyes now blazing with determination. “It was. But that’s why I’m here now - to gain the power to stop it from happening again. To get vengeance.”

  Damn, she was sexy when she got all fierce like that. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

  “Vengeance against who?” I asked.

  “I only of it as a shadow of power,” Lyra said.

  Red cleared her throat and held up the Heartwood Amulet. “Speaking of power, anyone figure out what this thing does yet?”

  We all leaned in to examine the strange pendant. As we did, it began to glow with a more eerie greenish light.

  “Whoa,” I breathed. “That’s new.”

  Suddenly, an image flickered to life above the amulet - a shadowy figure prowling through dark alleys.

  “Is that...the city’s underworld?” Mina asked, squinting at the projection. “That’s my home.”

  “That is the dark force!” Lyra confirmed.

  The image zoomed in on the figure’s face - a man with piercing eyes and a sinister smirk.

  “Silas ‘The Shadow’ Drake,” Mina whispered. “I’ve heard rumors about him. He practically runs the criminal underworld.”

  “Looks like that’s where we’re headed next,” I said grimly.

  Just another day in the life of Jack Mercer, Tank extraordinaire. At least the view across the table was nice.

  I caught Mina eyeing me with that mischievous glint in her eye.

  Here we go.

  “So Jack,” she uttered softly, leaning closer. “This whole ‘absorbing pain’ thing. Just how much can you take? Cause… Silas is no joke.”

  I smirked back at her. “More than you’d believe, Kitty.”

  “Oh really?” Her tail swished playfully. “I bet I could make you beg for mercy.”

  My pulse quickened. “That a challenge?”

  “Maybe,” she teased. “I’m just wondering what other kinds of... sensations you can handle.”

  I leaned in, matching her sultry tone. “Why don’t you find out?”

  The others groaned and started clearing dishes.

  “And with that, let’s get some rest. Lyra, I can show you to your quarters,” Willow announced, ushering everyone out with a smile toward me. “I think these two need some time alone.”

  Soon I was alone, heading to my room. My mind raced with thoughts of Mina, Lyra, and whatever dangers awaited us in the city’s underbelly.

  I’d barely shut my door when there was a soft knock.

  Heart pounding, I opened it to find Mina standing there, a coy smile on her lips.

  “Hey there, big guy,” she voiced gently. “Care for some company?”

  I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. Mina’s lithe form was silhouetted in the doorway, her thick thighs ever present and her green eyes glowing in the dim light.

  “Uh, sure,” I managed, stepping back to let her in. “What’s on your mind?”

  Mina sauntered past me, her tail brushing against my leg. The touch sent a jolt through me. She perched on the edge of my bed, patting the spot beside her.

  “Oh, I think you know,” she said with a wink.

  I sat down, hyper-aware of how close she was. Her scent - a mix of jasmine and something wild - filled my senses.

  “So about that challenge,” Mina murmured, trailing a finger down my arm. “Ready to test your limits?”

  My breath caught as she leaned in, her lips inches from mine. Part of me wanted to close that gap, to give in to the heat building between us. But another part hesitated.

  “Mina, I...” I started.

  She pressed a finger to my lips. “Shh. Don’t overthink it, Jack. I’ve seen the way you look me. We both want this.”

  Mina’s lips met mine in a searing kiss. All thoughts of hesitation melted away as our tongues tangled. My hands roamed over her curves, pulling her tight against me. She let out a little moan that set my blood on fire.

  In a flash, she pushed me back on the bed and straddled my hips. Her slender fingers made quick work of my shirt buttons. I reached up and cupped her breasts through the thin fabric of her top, drawing a gasp from her lips.

  “Jack,” she breathed. “Let’s see that dick.”

  I growled and flipped us over, pinning her beneath me. Mina’s eyes went wide, then darkened with lust. She ground her hips against mine, making me groan. I captured her mouth again, kissing her fiercely as my hands slid under her shirt.

  Her skin was hot silk beneath my fingers. I traced the curve of her waist, the dip of her navel. She arched into my touch, whimpering with need.

  Finally, she saw my dominance.

  I tore off her clothes until there was nothing between us but heat. I paused, drinking in the sight of her bare before me.

  Mina was a work of art - all sleek lines and soft thick curves.

  “God, you’re stacked,” I rasped.

  I couldn’t hold back any longer.

  My throbbing cock sprang free as I shoved my pants down. Mina’s eyes went wide as she took in the sight of my impressive manhood.

  “On your knees, kitty,” I commanded. “Show me how much you worship this dick.”

  Mina sank gracefully to the floor, never breaking eye contact. Her pink tongue darted out to lick her lips as she reached for my cock. I groaned as her soft hand wrapped around my girth.

  “So big,” she purled. “I don’t know if I can take it all...”

  “You’ll take every inch like a good little slut,” I growled. “Now suck.”

  Obediently, Mina opened her mouth and took the head between her lips. The wet heat nearly undid me. She bobbed shallowly at first, tongue swirling. Then she relaxed her throat and sank down, engulfing more and more of my thick shaft.

  I fisted a hand in her dark hair, guiding her pace.

  She looked up at me with those enchanting green eyes, silently worshipping me as she serviced my cock

  She reached up and pulled me down to her. “Show me,” she demanded. “Show me what that body can do.”

  So I did.

  My hands explored every curve and crevice of Mina’s body, my lips and tongue leaving a trail of heated kisses that had her squirming beneath me.

  She moaned, pleading for more as I teased her with slow deliberation. As I finally entered her slick warmth, we both let out gasps of shared pleasure. Our coupling was urgent, primal - a wild dance of desire and need.

  Mina’s nails dug into my back as I thrust deeper into her, the sharp sting only fueling my lust. It was an intoxicating blend of pain and pleasure that made me feel invincible.

  Mina was a conundrum - both the problem and the solution; she was a soothing presence for my troubled mind. We moved together, matching each other’s rhythm like two pieces of a puzzle.

  Our heavy breaths echoed in the room as we reached the height of our passion. Mina got there first, whispering my name like it held some secret power. The feeling of her tightening around me sent me over the edge too, pleasure washing over me in waves. As I hit my peak, I buried my face into her neck, taking in her distinct scent.

  In a quick move, I gave a gentle tug at Mina’s neck - akin to how you’d stroke a cat’s back - showing control even in our shared closeness. My own climax followed soon after, leaving us both spent and tangled up with each other.

  For a moment, we just held onto each other, catching our breaths. When the fog of desire cleared away, reality set back in. What had just happened?

  I rolled off Mina, staring up at the ceiling. “That was...”

  “That… was certainly a dick-down,” she sighed, curling into my side. “You really are full of surprises, Jack.”

  I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. I knew I should regret this, but I couldn’t bring myself to. It felt too damn good, too right.

  “You’re one to talk,” I teased. “Those claws of yours are lethal.”

  Mina laughed, a husky sound that stirred me all over again. “You loved it. I could feel how much pain turns you on.”

  “Tank you,” I whispered, closing my eyes for the night.

  Chapter 19

  As the celestial mirror’s intricate designs guided us, effortlessly raising the map as we crossed the threshold, I found myself lost in thought.

  Mina leaned in, her soft hair tickling my cheek. The faint scent of jasmine and mischief enveloped me, triggering a cascade of memories from last night.

  Her agile body had moved with feline grace beneath the dimly lit sheets, our bodies intertwined in a dance as old as time itself. Her sharp wit was replaced with breathy whispers and soft moans that echoed through the room. The taste of her lips still lingered on mine - a cocktail of sweet temptation and raw desire.

  I could still feel the ghostly imprint of her fingertips tracing patterns across my skin, each touch igniting a fire that consumed me. Her eyes had held an intoxicating mix of ferocity and vulnerability that made me want to protect her even more.

  The memory of our intimate connection sent a shiver down my spine, reminding me just how much I cherished these stolen moments with Mina. But it also reminded me of the pain I had to endure for such pleasure - a constant reminder of my power and its toll on me. Yet, when I looked at Mina now, all I saw was worth every ounce of pain.

  “Like what you see?” she crooned, green eyes sparkling. “We might have to use that mirror later to get… a better view.”

  I chuckled. “Whatever you say, kitty-cat.”

  She swatted my arm playfully, but a smile tugged at her lips.

  God, she was stunning.

  Athletic curves poured into that tight black maid catsuit, hinting at her sleek feline grace. I had to tear my gaze away.

  The entrance to the city’s underworld loomed ahead, a crumbling stone arch overgrown with vines. Shadows swirled within, beckoning us. My heart thudded against my ribs.

  This was it.

  “Stick close,” I said. “No telling what’s lurking down there.”

  Mina rolled her eyes. “Please. I was skulking in places like this while you were still in diapers.”

  “Guess you really are a cougar then,” I shot back with a wink.

  She scoffed but I caught the pleased gleam in her eye. Walking into the unknown with this fiery thief by my side, I almost felt sorry for whatever monsters waited in the dark.

  Almost.

  I took a deep breath and stepped into the darkness, the cool, damp air hitting my face like a slap. The girls followed close behind, their footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls.

  “Shit,” I muttered, fumbling for my flashlight. The beam cut through the gloom, revealing a twisting maze of passages stretching out before us.

  Lyra’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Which way, Jack?”

  I consulted the mirror, trying to ignore how my hands shook. “Left, I think. Then straight for about a hundred yards.”

  We crept forward, every shadow seeming to hide a potential threat. My nerves were on edge, skin prickling with each drip of water or skitter of unseen creatures.

  “So,” Red’s voice sliced through the thick silence, “anyone else feeling a bit... electrified by our intrepid leader?”

  I stumbled, my foot catching on nothing at all. “Huh?”

  Willow’s laughter was light and airy, like wind rustling leaves. “Oh don’t play coy, Jack. You must realize the kind of… impact you’re making.”

  Heat rushed to my face. Were they genuinely discussing this right now?

  Mina interjected with her signature brand of playful sarcasm. “It ain’t just your chiseled physique, Mercer. There’s something about you and that old mansion. It’s like... we’re all tied together somehow.”

  Lyra, who had been quiet until now, tilted her head slightly as she studied me with those bright blue eyes of hers.

  Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she asked, “Is it true what they say then? About your... prowess in more intimate matters?”

  I choked on my own spit while Mina and Willow laughed uproariously at Lyra’s sudden curiosity and my flustered reaction.

  I swallowed hard, trying to focus on the path ahead. “Ladies, maybe we could save this for-“

  A loud crash echoed from somewhere ahead. We all froze, hearts pounding.

  “Later,” I finished in a harsh whisper. “We’ll talk later.”

  I held up my hand, signaling for silence. The air grew thick with tension as we inched forward, hugging the damp stone walls. My flashlight beam danced across ornate carvings etched into the stone.

  “This is definitely Drake’s style,” Mina said.

  “Then this is it,” I breathed. “Silas Drake’s domain.”

  Red’s wings rustled nervously. “Jack, I don’t like this. It’s too quiet.”

  I nodded, feeling a cold sweat break out on my forehead.

  “Stay alert. Drake’s a slippery bastard,” Mina said.

  The flickering mirror cast eerie shadows across the ancient stone around us. I squinted at the crude sketch in the mirror of Silas’s stronghold, trying to make sense of the maze-like passages.

  “Alright, what’ve we got?” I asked.

  Scarlett leaned in, her fiery locks brushing my arm. “We gotta use stealth, sugar. Get in close ‘fore that snake knows what hit him.”

 

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