Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 137871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 689(@200wpm)___ 551(@250wpm)___ 460(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137871 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 689(@200wpm)___ 551(@250wpm)___ 460(@300wpm)
“You have a grandson too.”
“Yes,” she said with a look of awe. “And a mated daughter-in-law with a great-grandbaby on the way.”
She was obviously thrilled about such news. Juniper shut the book and sat up. “If there’s anything we can do—”
“No, no. It’s my pleasure to take care of you. Please just enjoy this time and let me mother all of you. I’ve grieved for so long. I’m ready to come out of mourning now.”
Fair enough, Juniper thought, eager to find those feelings of safety again. No one had taken care of her in years. “If I haven’t said it enough, thank you.”
Lilias laughed. She must have heard those words more than a hundred times today. “Thank you for finding us and giving me a family again.” She looked through the glass where the valley sloped and moonlight danced on the placid sea. “Adriel took a walk to the grotto. You should visit with her. It’s beautiful at night when the moon is full.”
While the thought of a full moon and all of that charged water was enticing in itself, the image of Adriel wading into the grotto under that blue glow was pure carnal temptation.
“I think I’ll check it out.” Unable to resist such a tantalizing vision, she slipped off the hammock seat and set the book aside.
Lilias chuckled. “Goodnight, Juniper.”
“Goodnight, Lilias.” As soon as Adriel’s mother left the greenhouse, Juniper headed for the grotto.
The scent of tropical blooms perfumed the air. She followed a stone path through the valley toward the caves. The moon hung low in the sapphire sky, casting its silvery glow across the rugged landscape as it rippled majestically over the sea.
She spotted the hidden grotto within the ancient rocks. Secrets from a forgotten time whispered in the gentle wind. She approached slowly, her gaze searching for Adriel.
Her senses prickled the moment she saw her. The delicate line of her back caught the moonlight as she turned, slowly stepping into the calm waters. Juniper disguised her presence with soft magick so as not to disturb her.
She was lovely. Her natural beauty stole Juniper’s breath and made her feel and want things she never believed she would desire.
When she looked back nervously, her arm loosely draped across her naked breasts, she frowned, likely sensing her presence but unable to see her through the cloaking spell. A smirk pinched in the corner of Juniper’s mouth as she removed her clothes.
Adriel slipped silently into the crystalline waters, dropping low so the water covered her. She stared back at the rocks where Juniper stood and grinned. “You know I can scent your presence. And your arousal.”
Juniper released the spell, and her nude body flickered into view. “You’re no fun.”
“Being fun is something I’m still figuring out. Come in. The water’s lovely, and you can help me practice being fun.” The currents cradled her as she glided away from the stone edge. Ripples lapped at her skin as she stroked slowly toward the cave’s opening, where the moon reflected on the surface.
As the cool, midnight sea touched Juniper’s toes, goosebumps rose over her body. “It’s freezing.”
Adriel laughed. “Regulate your body temperature.”
Her head cocked in confusion. “We can do that?”
Her soft, melodic laughter danced across the breeze. “Yes, silly.”
“How?”
“Concentrate on your blood flow. Feel it beating through your heart. Then send a mental command outward to your skin.”
Juniper did as she said and gasped as a warm surge of heat pushed through her body from her chest to her limbs. “Whoa.” She waded into the water and laughed. This hybrid vampire thing definitely had its perks.
The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of salt and jasmine, mingling with the earthy musk of the surrounding olive groves. Adriel swam toward her, a goddess under the moon's ethereal glow. Her green eyes shimmered as she pulled her into her arms. The luminescent backdrop cast sparkles like diamonds floating on every ripple against her skin.
It was hard to believe she was hers. “You’re stunning.”
A soft blush darkened Adriel’s ivory cheeks. “Can you believe we’re here?”
“No.” Juniper scoffed. “But I’ll take it.”
Adriel’s hands closed about her hips and tugged her closer so their legs could entwine underwater. Engulfed in her warmth, she no longer needed to escape the night chill.
Slick fingers danced over heated flesh as they caressed each other under the surface. “Did you have a nice time with Lilias?”
“Mm-hmm.” Adriel’s fingers gently traced up her arm. “As grateful as I am to have my parents back, I’m more interested in this right now.” Her touch trailed lower.
Juniper tightened her legs around her waist. “I see.” She kissed her slowly, the sensation of Adriel’s mouth on hers a pleasure she’d never tire of. “I’ve missed this.” Arms wreathed around her neck, she glanced down at their entwined bodies.
Adriel caressed her throat. “You have me now—forever, if you want.”