Chapter 28

Cadella's POV

"What about a jinn?” Sergei asked, once Barry had told his analysis of the data.

“Wait, I thought jinn were peaceful? They are evil?” I asked, turning to face Sergei.

“They can be. They often are associated with dreams and sleep paralysis, but they can be summoned and be violent. They hold a humanoid figure. One that looks more convincing than some of the others. There’s no data supporting a more different creature. The attack was violent, but nothing has been shared or put into a report about the specifics of the wounds.” Sergei shrugged.

“That’s a good point. Wound appearance would make this investigation much smoother. A jinn isn’t a horrible suggestion, Sergei. Cadella, is partially correct about them being typically more peaceful, but they have been known to be harmful in the past. They have a short temper, that makes them lash out for a physical payment of transgressions.”

“I’m thinking a redcap.” Emilia suggested.

“Oh. I like that suggestion.” Barry spun and faced his wife.

I’d never heard of a redcap.

“What’s a redcap?” I asked.

“Oh they are violent, cruel creatures. They get their name from dipping their hat in the blood of their victims. Typically they are spoken about in Gaelic lore. But each region has their own versions of creatures.” Barry said as he moved to stand behind his wife.

“Why do you think a redcap, honey?” He asked, placing his hand on Emilia’s shoulder.

“The attacks were violent. While a jinn can be violent, these were too messy from what little we’ve heard of the wounds. Redcaps love violence and creating a mess with their victims. They are one of the more violent creatures we know of.” Emilia shrugged.

“I think I like it more than jinn? What is everyone else’s opinion?” Barry asked, looking up at each of us.

“I agree.” Sergei nodded, and everyone else followed suit.

“Cadella?” Barry asked, looking at me.

“I think I need more proof and evidence. I think the description fits, but I’m a data and evidence person. Sorry, Emilia.” I winced.

“I agree with you. We don’t have what we need to be certain. I’m sure as time passes the details will come out and we make a more solid decision.” Emilia shrugged and looked at Barry.

“I agree.” He smiled sweetly at her.

A pain pulsed through my chest as I watched the married couple interact. Barry smile was bigger than anything I’d seen before, his hand rested firmly on Emilia’s should, while she leaned into his touch. I missed those little looks and touches this last week. I missed Vasile.

Several dings and ring tone sounded around the room as everyone got a notification at the same time. I reached for my phone, then remembered it was dead. The room became silent as everyone read the notification.

“What’s going on? My phone is dead.” I leaned forward.

“It’s a letter from the headmaster. He said that the police have concluded their investigation. He said that the attack wasn’t near the school. That there was an error in the reporting. It happened a few towns away, where the zoo is.

“It was indeed an animal attack. Some idiots didn’t want to pay the entrance price so they waited until the park was closed and snuck in. Then they provoked some of the animals and were attacked.” Benny’s shoulder fell as he read the letter.

Benny had been so excited, I almost felt bad for him. Even if he was overly excited that people had been so hurt. A part of me knew it was the attack that was exciting for him, but the idea and what he thought was proof of supernatural existence.

A small part of me wondered why Benny was set to prove their existence. I know he said he was interested in the topic because of his families job, but this need to prove they were real seemed like it was too strong for just growing up around haunted things.

“I’m sorry, Benny. I know you really wanted this to be the case.” I said, standing and watching as Benny dropped heavily into the chair next to Emilia.

“It’s okay, love. There’ll be more chances.” Emilia’s tone was soft as she rubbed the back of Benny’s hand.

“I know.” He sighed and then looked up at all of us. “Alright, guys, that’s all for today. We’ll meet again on Wednesday. See you then.” His smile was smaller than normal, but Emilia seemed to have him coming back to himself.

I glanced at the clock. Almost six. We’d been here for three hours researching. Vasile should be home by now.

“I’ll see you all later.” I called as I grabbed my bag and left.

I practically ran home, as my excitement grew to see Vasile. I unlocked the door and smiled as the smell of baked chicken and vegetables filled the air. Quickly locking the door, I moved deeper into the house. I smiled as I found Vasile standing by the dining room table which set with filled plates and lit candles.

“Hello, soricel.” He smiled as he stepped toward me. “I missed you.” He murmured as he leaned down for a kiss.

I pressed deeper into him, before pulling back and smiling.

“I missed you too. You did all of this?” I asked, moved toward the table.

“Of course. Here, have a seat.” Vasile said as he pulled out a chair for me.

My cheeks heated as I sat and he pushed the chair in. He poured us each a glass of wine and sat down across from me.

“To being together again.” He raised his glass.

“To being together again.” I smiled, touching his glass with my own.

We both took a drink, and he waited for me to take the first bite. My blush deepened as he watched me cut the chicken. Meeting his gaze I placed the warm meat in my mouth. Delicious flavor exploded in my mouth as I chewed.

“This is really good.” I praised after I swallowed and was cutting another bite.

I shoved a few more bites into my mouth without looking up. It was only when I realized that Vasile wasn’t eating that I looked up to see him staring at me. His gaze hungry, but not for food.

“I could watch you eat all night, but I’m really hoping you’re done soon, because I missed you, soricel. That little show you gave me the first night has replayed in my head all week.” He admitted without looking away.

“Consider me done.” I said dropping my fork and pushing away from the table.

Only my chair didn’t move. Frowning I looked down to see his foot wrapped around the leg.

“Nope. You’re going to need your energy. Eat up.” He said, watching patiently as I tried to eat quickly.

“Okay, now I’m done.” I said pushing away the empty plate.

“Good. Upstairs, naked on the bed. I’ll be right up.” He grinned as he grabbed my plate.

Rushing up the stairs, I shed my clothes and used the bathroom, taking a moment to brush my teeth and run my fingers through my hair. His heavy steps sounded on the stairs as I climbed on the bed. Before he was even fully in the room, his eyes fell to me on the bed a grin growing on his lips.

“I was torn when I planned tonight. I so badly want to see what the wicked tongue of your can do, but tonight, I don’t think I’d last through it. That’s not where I want to spend my time. Another night.” He said as he unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged out of it.

I bit my lower lip as his broad chest and toned arms came into view. I followed his hands as they moved to his belt and undid it before loosening the button and fly. He let his pants drop to the floor, chasing them with his briefs. My mouth watered as his hard length sprang up against his stomach as he stood.

My heart pounded in my chest as he walked toward me, his steps measured and calculated. Like he was stalking me. I rubbed my thighs together, trying to ease some of the pressure that was quickly growing there.

“Lay back, soricel.” He purred as he approached me.

I did as he asked, his body moving to hover over me before his lips pressed on my own. Pressing my lips up against his, my breath caught in my chest as his cool touch moved down over my side to my thigh. He lowered his hips, pressing them against my own as he ground against me.

My head dropped as I groaned at the friction that felt so good, but wasn’t enough to push me over the edge. His dark chuckle told me he knew exactly what he was doing to me. His grip loosened on my thigh as he move his hand over my leg. I gasped as he ran his finger through my slit.

“You’re so wet. Is that for me?” He groaned.

“Only you.” I groaned as he brushed over my sensitive clit.

He leaned in again, and raised up, thinking he was going to kiss me. But instead of his lips meeting mine, his arms wrapped around me. I let out a surprised squeal as he flipped us over and positioned me on his lap as he sat back against the padded headboard.

“Tonight, I want you to take your pleasure from me.” He said as he leaned back with a grin.

I grinned as I leaned forward and grasped him in my hand. I stroked him once before I lined him and slowly lowered myself over his length. A moan pulled from my throat as he stretched me. Once I was settled, my cheeks heated as I realized I wasn’t sure what to do.

“You go wrong, soricel. Just do what your body wants, and it’ll be good for both of us.” He moaned as I shifted.

His sound of pleasure made me bolder, as I started to move my hips. It was only a few moments before his hips started to meet mine, making him press some spot deep inside me that made made me see stars. One of his hands came up to my breast, his fingers moulding to the roundness of it, before he leaned down and drew my hardened nipple into his mouth.

The combination of his mouth and his rocking hips sent me over the edge, my body tensing as it found its release. He pulled away from my breast, his head tipped back against the headboard as his hands settled on my hips and held me in place as his hips drove into me once more as he chased his own orgasm.

I collapsed on his chest, as his hands ran slowly up and down my back. I breathed in deeply, suddenly feeling tired as his hands moved soothingly over me. A small part of me recognized that he had shifted us and was tucking me. But I couldn’t seem to open my eyes.

***

Vasile’s POV

I tucked Cadella into bed, my magic pulsing in my veins as I concentrated on slowly letting it flow between us. I knew if I pushed too much too quick she’d know something was up. A foggy mist flowed over the bed as I made her drift to sleep.

Once she was breathing slow and evenly, I stood and looked over her. The shadows crept back towards me and I pulled my power back. Bending, I grabbed my briefs and pants. Once dressed on my lower half, I quietly moved downstairs.

Pouring myself a glass of brandy, a prickling sensation moved over me. Black smoke appeared in the middle of the room, building to take the form of a man. A moment later Marius stood before me.