Chapter 2

Jordan's POV The day passed in a blur. I kept myself busy—delegating tasks, organizing supplies, handling pack business—but my focus kept slipping. My mind kept drifting back to Zairith. Kissing her had been the worst mistake I’d ever made. One that still burned through my veins, making every nerve in my body feel alive. The memory clung to me like a curse, her taste still lingering on my lips. My jeans grew tight, and I cursed under my breath, pacing the hall, desperate to shake off the feeling of her. Why had I kissed her? And worse—why did I want more? Before I could stop myself, my feet carried me outside her door. I should’ve turned back. I should’ve walked away. But I didn’t. I stepped inside. Zairith was waiting, her arms behind her back, her posture rigid, her expression frozen. But her jaw twitched, just slightly, betraying the calm front she wore. “What else will you steal from me this time?” she asked, her voice cold. “Another kiss? Or something more?” I leaned against the doorframe, trying to hide the tension in my chest. “If you’re pissed and in excellent shape, I imagine me coming back for more wouldn’t end well—not for either of us.” She let out a dramatic sigh, clearly trying to hide her irritation. “Is there any chance you’ll leave without another tongue-lashing? Time’s wasting, and I’m still trying to figure out the best way to kill you and escape.” Her words cut sharp, but it only sent a thrill through me. Why the hell did I find her honesty so damn sexy? “You’re free to try your hand at besting me,” I said, keeping my voice light. “Wouldn’t mind the challenge.” She didn’t react like I expected. No surprise. No hesitation. Just a look sharp enough to cut glass. “This is what I want,” she said, her voice quieter now, almost like a secret. I still didn’t get it. Why was she blaming me for the kidnappings? Why the hell was she so angry at me? But I had to admit, part of me was intrigued. Part of me wanted to understand. She paused, just for a second, before her voice dropped again. “There’s something else we can play out.” I raised an eyebrow. “Go on.” Her gaze never left mine. “It’s something I’d rather show you.” Heat flared in my chest. “Then come over here and share it with me. I won’t bite… unless you want me to.” The thought of biting her—of sinking my teeth into her skin, of feeling her writhe beneath me—made my blood run hot. I pushed the thought away. I didn’t want to think about the power I held over her. Not now. Not when I wanted us to be on even footing. She took a step closer. Purposeful. Deliberate. Silver hair spilled over her shoulders, and her eyes, unreadable, never left mine. I didn’t move. Something in the way she approached made the air around us feel charged, like it was about to snap. She stopped just a few feet away, and I closed the distance, my hand reaching up to tilt her chin, forcing her gaze to meet mine. "What do you want to show me?" I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. Her mismatched eyes—blue, green, and brown, swirling like wildfire—held mine, and then— Pain exploded through my body. A sharp gasp escaped me as pain exploded through my body. Zairith had kicked me—hard—right in the balls. I doubled over, groaning, my hands flying to protect myself. I couldn’t breathe. The pain was blinding, but she didn’t stop. She shoved me backward with surprising strength. I stumbled, too focused on the burning pain to do anything. She slammed me against the door. The wood cracked behind me. The ward recognized my presence, lighting up with energy, but I couldn’t think clearly. Then she kicked me again—right in the same spot. My vision blurred. My knees buckled. Still, she didn’t stop. The door groaned as the magic on it began to break. She delivered one final, brutal kick to my groin. And just like that, she was gone. Damn. I lay there, gasping for air, my chest heaving. The pain still throbbed, but it was almost secondary to the shock that ran through me. She had overpowered me with nothing but sheer force. I didn’t know whether to be angry or impressed. But I sure as hell knew one thing. She would pay for this.