Beneath the Alpha's Moon
Chapter 138: A Lingering Spark

Chapter 138: A Lingering Spark

LUCIAN’S P.O.V.

The house was warm as we stepped inside, Teresa’s fingers brushed mine as she walked beside me, making me feel stronger in a way I couldn’t explain.

"I’m going to take a bath," she said softly, her voice like a soothing balm. "I need to soak for a while. My whole body feels sore."

I swallowed hard, imagining her submerged in warm water, steam curling around her. The thought alone was enough to ignite a fire in my chest. "Say it, Lucian," Ares teased in my head. "Suggest she use your bathtub. It’s bigger."

But I didn’t. Instead, I bit back the words, knowing I couldn’t risk making her uncomfortable. Not now. "That sounds like a good idea," I managed, keeping my voice neutral. "I should clean up too."

Her laughter was soft, like the chime of a bell. "I’d say that’s an understatement. You’re practically drenched in Maverick’s blood."

I smirked, even as a pang of guilt ran through me. "It’s not a good look?"

She didn’t answer, just squeezed my hand gently before slipping away toward her room. I stood there for a moment, listening to the sound of her retreating footsteps, then headed to my own room.

The shower was scalding hot, the water washing away the blood and grime that clung to my skin. I scrubbed furiously, letting the heat ease the tension in my muscles. But as the physical stains faded, my thoughts drifted elsewhere—straight to Teresa.

I pictured her in the tub, her head tilted back, brown curly dark hair damp and clinging to her skin. The water would cascade over her body, steam rising to envelop her in a hazy glow. My hands clenched involuntarily at the thought of helping her wash, my fingers trailing over every inch of her skin, my lips following close behind.

"You know," Ares interrupted, his voice smug."You could stop fantasizing and just go to her room. She’s there. Alone."

"Ares," I muttered under my breath, scrubbing harder at my arms. "That’s not how it works."

"Why not? You’re her mate. She’s probably thinking about you too. And even if she’s not, you’ll change her mind quickly enough."

Ares had a point. I sighed, rinsing off the last of the soap. My body was clean now, but my mind was anything but. "Fine," I said aloud. "But I’m doing this my way."

I towel-dried myself quickly, the scent of sandalwood soap clinging to my skin. There was no time to bother with clothes; I had a mission. A smirk tugged at my lips as I reached for the mind link."Teresa?"

Her response came quickly, her voice curious. "What is it, Lucian?"

"There’s something important I need to tell you," I said, keeping my tone serious. "It can’t wait."

"Can’t it wait until after my bath?" she asked, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

"No," I said firmly. "Please leave your door unlocked. I’m coming over."

There was a pause, and I could practically hear her debating whether or not to argue. Finally, she sighed. "Alright, but this better be good."

I cut the link with a satisfied grin and made my way to her room, the cool air brushing against my bare skin. When I reached her door, I didn’t hesitate. Turning the knob, I stepped inside and locked it behind me.

"Lucian?" Teresa’s voice floated from the bathroom, a mix of surprise and amusement. "You’re fast. Hold on a minute. I’ll be out soon."

But I wasn’t about to wait. Her scent—lavender and honey—followed me like waves as I moved toward the bathroom. The faint sound of water sloshing and bottles clinking guided me, my senses sharpening as I drew closer.

She was bent over the tub, her hands busy pouring something into the water. I froze for a moment, taking in the scene through my heightened senses. The soft rustle of her movements, the intoxicating blend of her shampoo and the rose bath oils—it was all too much.

"Lucian!" she gasped, her body straightening as she turned toward me. Her voice was startled, but not angry. "Why didn’t you wait in the room like I asked? And why on earth are you—" She hesitated, her tone turning incredulous. "Why are you still naked?"

I couldn’t help the smirk that spread across my face. "I wasn’t sure if I got all the blood off," I said, my voice dropping into a flirtatious tone. "Thought you might want to check for me."

She laughed, the sound rich and melodic. "Lucian Blackwood, you are unbelievable. You’re clean. Now get out of my bathroom."

I took a step closer, my voice a low rumble. "I think you should take a closer look, just to be sure."

Her breath hitched as I closed the distance between us, pulling her into my arms. "Lucian," she began, but I silenced her with a kiss. It was soft at first, a careful brush of lips that quickly deepened as I felt her relax against me. Her hands found their way to my chest, her touch hesitant but electrifying.

When we finally broke apart, she was breathless, her voice tinged with both amusement and exasperation. "Lucian, I need to take a bath."

"And I’m here to help," I said with a wide smile, resting my hands on her hips, rubbing slow circles, making her moan softly and also making my groin ache.

"I—I didn’t need your help," she stammered, her voice trembling despite the bravado in her words. Her heart pounded furiously in her chest. "But since you’re already here, how do you plan on helping me?"

I smirked, brushing her hair back with deliberate ease, letting my fingers graze the curve of her ear. Her breath hitched. I reached for her hand, interlacing our fingers as I led her toward the tub. The warm water she’d prepared was still steaming, probably fogging up the mirrors and cloaking the room in a sultry haze.

I stepped in first, the heat licking at my skin, sending shivers down my spine. Turning to her, I extended my hand, coaxing her forward. She hesitated for only a moment before joining me, the water enveloping her as I pulled her close. Her body pressed against mine as I sank down, guiding her to straddle me.

Her skin felt hot, her breaths shallow as she settled onto my lap. The heat between us was tangible, her soft curves molding against my frame. The water rippled, betraying the tension sparking between us.

She turned her head, perhaps to speak, but I claimed her lips before a word could escape. Her mouth opened instinctively, granting me access. I deepened the kiss, tasting her, savoring the way she responded—whimpering softly as my tongue explored hers.

My hands moved down her sides, my fingers tracing her curves before settling on her hips. I rolled my groin against her vagina, drawing a moan that resonated in the humid air. My thumb brushed her nipple, and she gasped, her head tilting back in surrender.

The haze of heat and desire consumed me, obliterating all reason. I didn’t care about pretending anymore—I didn’t care about hiding the raw lust that burned through my veins.

My lips trailed down to her neck, pausing to suck just hard enough to make her gasp. I wanted to mark her all over again, to claim her in ways words never could. Her body shivered against mine, every reaction pulling me deeper into the inferno.

When my mouth closed over her hardened nipple, I tugged it gently with my teeth, eliciting a sharp cry that made my pulse race. Her hands gripped my shoulders as my fingers explored beneath the water, teasing the waistband of her panties.

Her moan cut through the steam-filled air, raw and unrestrained. At that moment, control slipped through my fingers entirely.

To be continued...