so so sorry its been so long since the last update, but the semester is finally over so ill have more time to update this. thanks for reading and reviewing, and im sorry about this chapter, it had to be done, dont hate me =)

Zoie

"He just showed up at your home?" I asked Anna, embarrassed by Castor's forwardness, yet still grateful he was able to do what I was too nervous to do myself.

She nodded with a smile, "I suppose you had nothing to do with that?"

"I had no idea. I'm sorry if it was... unsettling. He means well."

"Oh, I know. I'm glad he came. I wanted to see you again, and I don't think I'd be able to get past the guards by myself. I mean, if I used my powers on them, it'd be punishable by death, right?"

I stared at her for a few seconds, unsure of what to say. "Well, it would depend on the circumstances. They're the king's guards, so I suppose..."

"Thought so. Anyway, I hope I'm not bothering you. I can go, if you want-"

"No," I said quickly, then added, "I wanted to see you, too."

Anna smiled wide and stepped closer to me. "Good to know I'm not the only one," she said softly before walking past me and picking up my bow. "It's heavier than I thought it'd be."

I stayed quiet, watching with amusement as she attempted to nock the arrow only to have it slip and fall to the ground when she tried to pull back the string.

"I see you're a natural," I joked, moving to stand next to her.

She tilted her head to the side, "Okay, so I'm not gifted in archery, but I do have other talents."

"You'll have to show me sometime."

She raised her eyebrows, "I'd love to. Now, are you going to show me how to shoot this thing, or what?"

"You really want to learn?"

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't."

I nodded, "Well, first off, your stance is all wrong. You need to spread your legs," I said without realizing how it sounded.

She licked her lips and smirked, "Whatever you say, Princess." She changed her stance and then looked to me for approval.

I cleared my throat, trying to shake the thought of Anna doing whatever I said. "Um, yes, that's good. Now, move your hand down on the bow." I put my hand over hers to guide it. Even the innocent contact made my heart beat faster.

Once her hand was in place, I showed her how to properly nock the arrow then moved behind her, putting my hands over hers to help guide her aim. The position made it so we were practically cheek to cheek, my front against her back.

"Focus on the closest target," I instructed in a low voice and she nodded. "You want to clear your head. Take a deep breath and release when you exhale." I moved to take my hands away and step back. When she didn't give any indication that she understood, I asked, "Are you okay?"

Anna laughed and turned her head slightly, "I'm finding it hard to concentrate around you."

"Anything I can do?"

"I can think of many things you could do, but none of them would help with my concentration." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, seemingly trying to gather herself. She let the breath out and released the arrow. It sailed through the air and hit the outer edge of the target. Her eyes snapped open in shock at the sound of the arrow hitting wood. "I did it!" she exclaimed, turning around and dropping the bow. She threw her arms around my neck and I happily returned the hug.

"You just might be a natural. I didn't hit the target my first time," I told her.

She pulled away, keeping her hands on my shoulders. "Well, you didn't have you as a teacher."

I rolled my eyes out of nervous habit and looked down. When l raised my eyes to her face once more, she was watching me closely.

"I can't stop thinking about you," she admitted.

My stomach fluttered at her words and I felt my face flush. I raised my hand to her face and slowly trailed my fingertips down her cheek. She closed her eyes.

"I can't stop thinking about touching you," she continued in a husky tone. "About you touching me." I saw the bumps rise across her skin as my fingertips travelled lower, sliding down her neck. Her skin was so soft. I swallowed, trying to find my voice.

Leaning closer so my face was only inches from hers, I lay my hand flat against her chest, over her heart. "What about me tasting you?"

I felt her shudder beneath my hand and her grip on my shoulders tightened. "Oh, gods, yes," she breathed before opening her now blue eyes. She stared into my eyes for a few seconds, then set her gaze to my lips as she licked her own. "Has anyone ever told you it's a bad idea to tease a Succubus?"

"Has no one ever told you there's a fine line between teasing and foreplay?" I countered with a smile.

Her hands moved from shoulders to my face in a swift motion and she pressed her lips to mine in a soft, lingering kiss. I let my own hands wander, tracing the curve of her breasts before settling on her waist, pulling her into me so our bodies were flush against eachother.

She broke the kiss, breathing heavily. "Wait. I-I don't know if I'll be able to not..." she trailed off with worry in her eyes which were their natural brown color again. "I usually have better control than this."

"It's okay. You can feed from me," I assured her. "It's not punishable by death." She laughed and I asked, "Do you want to come to my room? It's more private and less... sandy."

She quirked an eyebrow, "Sounds like you've had a bad experience with sand."

"You could say that. It's really not as romantic as it would seem," I muttered, embarrassed and not wanting to elaborate.

She bit her lip, trying but failing to stifle her laughter. "I suppose I'll take your word for it." Anna pulled away and took my hand in hers. "Lead the way."

We carefully walked up the pathway and headed across the palace yard towards the back entrance. We were almost there when Castor appeared with Siamon, my father's advisor's son.

"Zoie, Anna," Castor said in greeting. Siamon bowed his head towards me and then Anna.

"Castor, what, uh, what are you two doing here?" I asked, hoping their sudden appearance didn't have anything to do with my father's condition.

Castor turned to Anna with a smile, "I'm sorry, but I have to steal my sister away for a little," he explained, then gestured to the man to his left, "This is Siamon, a very good friend of mine and Zoie's. He'll keep you company."

"Hello, Anna, pleasure to meet you," Siamon said, extending his hand.

Anna took it, "Pleasure to meet you, too, sir."

"Call me Si," he told her with a smile.

Suddenly, Castor was leading me away. "I'll be back soon," I said to Anna, with an apologetic look and she nodded. I turned back to Castor, "What is it? Is father okay?"

He sighed, keeping a brisk pace as we entered the palace. "He's not any worse from what I can tell. But he's asking to see you."

"Why?"

"He didn't tell me." Castor stopped abruptly, "Vessus and Si are joining us for dinner, once you're done. Anna can come if you'd like."

"Well, we had other plans."

"Come on, Zoie, you can do that all night," he groaned, "Plus, you owe me. If I hadn't gone to her house, you wouldn't have any 'plans'. And if Anna is there, Vessus can't lecture me and Si since Anna can't know about father's condition."

I rolled my eyes, "You're killing me, brother."

He laughed, "You'll survive another few hours."

"Fine. But you need to go back and watch Si. You know how he is."

"Afraid he'll get a piece of the Succubus before you do?"

I set him with a glare. "Don't talk about her like that."

He raised his eyebrows and held up his hands, "It was a joke, Zo, put the claws away. I meant no disrespect. She's a lovely girl."

"Just go," I told him before turning and heading towards my father's quarters.

Anna

It had been over an hour since Zoie had disappeared into the palace. Siamon and Castor had shown me around the grounds, first touring the guards' barracks, then strolling through the expansive gardens. I was happy to be in the fragrant outdoors after suffering through the sour smelling building.

"Why don't we sit down here while we wait for Zoie?" Siamon suggested, putting his hand on the small of my back and guiding me to a pair of benches at the center of the garden. I was able to stop myself from shrinking away at the forward contact. Siamon was an attractive man, tall with dirty blonde hair and bright green eyes, most likely older than Castor, though such things were hard to tell among the Fae. However, he had definitely been flirting with me since we met and I wasn't sure how to react, so I tried to seem oblivious to his advances.

I sat down on the bench and crossed my legs, resting my hands on my knees as Siamon sat down next to me and Castor remained standing.

"Have you travelled much of Aethevia, Anna?" Castor asked, squinting his eyes against the setting sun.

"I grew up in Shali and moved here to the city about ten years ago. Other than that, I've not seen much," I told him.

"Shali is a beautiful village," Siamon cut in. "I was stationed near the coast there for a few months during training. Must have been almost fifteen years ago."

"Well, perhaps we've crossed paths before."

He laughed, "I think I'd remember you."

I knew he was just trying to be charming, but I couldn't stop the momentary look of shock and slight disgust which crossed my features. Fifteen years ago I was only twelve. I quickly looked away to Castor, who grinned, obviously catching onto my distaste. Siamon luckily didn't seem to notice.

"Well, I believe I see Zoie, now," Castor said, beginning to walk away, "I'll go get her."

I turned to see him walk towards the palace, waving at Zoie to catch her attention as she looked out over the grounds. She walked over to him and they stopped after meeting halfway. I couldn't really hear what they were saying but Zoie seemed upset.

"You're a very beautiful girl, Anna," Siamon said suddenly, regaining my attention. He slipped a hand over top of mine and I swallowed as my muscles tensed.

"T-Thank you," I stammered and silently willed Zoie and Castor to hurry up.

"I hear you're a dancer."

I bit my lip and nodded, avoiding eye contact, "You heard right."

He smiled as his thumb brushed lightly over the back of my hand, "Well, I'll have to come see you sometime. Maybe we can have dinner."

My eyes darted to his and my mouth hung open slightly. I wasn't sure at all of what to say. Thankfully, Zoie and Castor returned before I was forced to answer. I looked up at Zoie, hoping to convey my desperation.

"Siamon," she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "I'm sorry, but Anna and I will not be joining you and your father for dinner. I hope you can forgive us."

Siamon removed his hand from mine and stood, "Another time, then?" His eyes lingered on mine before travelling to Zoie's.

I saw the muscle in her jaw twitch as she clenched her teeth while struggling to keep the smile on her face. "Another time."

"C'mon, Si. Your father is waiting," Castor said, putting his hand on Siamon's shoulder. "I'll see you ladies, later. Have a nice evening."

They headed towards the palace and once they were out of earshot I let out a sigh of relief. "So, Siamon is a little... intense," I said.

Zoie walked over and sat down on the bench beside me. "I'm sorry about him."

I smiled, happy to be alone with her again. "You know, we apologize to each other a lot."

"You noticed that, too?" she laughed softly. Now that her face was closer to mine, I could see the redness around her eyes, like she had been crying.

"Are you alright?" I rested my hand on her forearm, unconsciously needing the contact.

"I..." she began, then shook her head. "No. Not really."

"Anything I can do?"

Her lips were on mine before I knew what was happening. I returned it with the same force, my hand snaking behind her neck and threading my fingers through her hair. I moaned into the kiss as her tongue slid against mine. Unlike our previous kisses, this one was more urgent. My hunger came back, full force.

She pulled away and breathed, "Do you still want to come to my room?"

I didn't have to think about my answer. "Yes."

We were in the palace and up the stairs quickly, not letting anything stop us this time. As soon as the door to Zoie's room was closed, I had her up against it, capturing her lips in another searing kiss. I fumbled with the ties of her dress for only a moment before her hands replaced mine, undoing them with deft fingers. She pushed us away from the door without breaking the kiss and guided the way to the bed. She stopped in front of it as we both undressed.

I took a moment to run my eyes over her bare breasts and stomach, feeling the heat build between my legs. Our eyes met and I ran my hand slowly down between her breasts.

"I can't believe this is real," I whispered, more to myself than to her.

A small smile appeared on her swollen lips and she pushed me down onto the bed before climbing on top of me and kissing her way down my neck.

My hunger was becoming incredibly hard to ignore, especially when I felt her hot, wet mouth on my breast, her tongue flicking over my nipple. I couldn't stop the cry that escaped from my mouth. I was so sensitive and raw, everywhere she touched was on fire because of the intense need.

I laced my fingers through her hair and pulled her mouth back up to mine for a kiss, then asked, "Are you sure?"

Suddenly, her hand was teasing my center and my nails dug into her back as she applied more pressure, slipping two fingers inside me.

I wasn't sure how long I could hold onto my control. "Zoie, please," I gasped out.

"I'm sure," she said, looking into my eyes before pressing her lips to mine. I let go and began to feed-

Bo

I was pulled back, once more, to the present. "Are you fucking serious?!" I growled in frustration as I stood up to face Castor.

I couldn't decide which was more stressful in that moment; the throbbing in my head or the throbbing between my legs.

I looked over to see Lauren beside me, her face flushed and breathing shallow. I wanted to continue what Anna and Zoie had started so badly. Clenching my jaw, I fought to rein in my hunger. This was pure torture.

"The wolf showed up at your house. You told me to pull you out if there were any threats. The way I see it, his status has yet to be decided," Castor explained.

I put a hand over my eyes as I imagined punching Dyson in the face. It wasn't his fault, I know, but right now it was hard to think rationally.

I took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm my racing heart. "Okay," I breathed out.

I heard Lauren clear her throat and removed my hand as she began to speak. "I'd like to talk with you for a minute before you send me back, if that's okay, Castor." He nodded and she turned to me, "I'll see you in a little bit."

I was a disappointed and confused as to what she didn't want to say in front of me, but I didn't want to make a big deal about it. "Alright. See you soon."

I woke up in my bed and rolled over, studying Lauren's unconscious form. I felt tears burn the backs of my eyes, but swallowed against the itch in my throat. Carefully, I ran my fingers along her cheek before leaning over and placing a light kiss on her temple.

I heard footsteps ascending the stairs and sat up quickly. I was relieved to see Kenzi enter my room.

"You're actually awake," she observed, stopping to stand in front of the bed. "That's good 'cause I don't know what I would've told Dyson. He's waiting for you downstairs."

I sighed and got out of bed, "He's gonna have to wait. I'm taking a shower." I walked past her and into the bathroom.

"Fine. But don't use all the hot water."

I paused and turned around, rolling my eyes. "Trust me, that won't be a problem."