Kol woke to the biting chill of the empty bed, the place where Holly had once been now a cold void. Instinctively, his hand stretched across the mattress, fingertips grazing over the crumpled sheets that still bore faint impressions of where she'd slept. The warmth she left behind was a distant memory, gone with the early hours. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, filling the room with a soft, golden light, yet its radiance did nothing to dispel the gnawing emptiness deep in his chest. Her absence hung heavily in the air, an unsettling quiet replacing the warmth and vitality she always brought. Kol glanced at the clock—7:30 a.m. Holly must have been gone for a while.
Last night, after they had drifted to sleep on the hammock, Kol had gently lifted her into his arms and carried her to his guest bedroom. He had done it with the utmost care, ensuring she wouldn't stir. A slow smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he recalled last night—her soft breath against his neck as she slept, the peaceful stillness as he cradled her in his arms. It was a fleeting moment, a break in the relentless storm of their lives, but one that had etched itself into his mind. For just those few hours, the weight of the world had slipped away, leaving only the quiet, unspoken connection between them. Still, there was a flicker of concern. He hoped Holly hadn't minded his decision to take her to his room. He'd been looking forward to the chance to wake her up in his own way—slowly, deliberately, with the kind of attention to detail that would make her morning quite memorable.
With a soft groan, Kol slipped out of bed, took a quick shower, and dressed in the clothes he'd purchased during their stay in Milan. Once ready, he left the bedroom in search of Holly, a lingering anticipation buzzing beneath his skin.
The kitchen was the first stop. Dobby and Winky were busy preparing breakfast, the smell of fresh bread and sizzling bacon wafting through the air.
"Ah, my two favorite elves," Kol greeted with a smirk. "Any idea where Holly's disappeared to?"
The house-elves blinked at him in surprise, Winky nearly dropping her whisk as she stared at Kol, wide-eyed. It wasn't every day someone of his stature referred to them with such affection. Winky, in particular, looked as though she might cry but managed to hold herself together.
"Master Kol is so kind," Winky said in a quivering voice. "Mistress went running around the forest, sir. It's her routine every morning. She'll be back in about ten minutes, like always. Please, take a seat in the dining room. We will serve breakfast shortly."
Kol gave a nod, his mind already wandering to thoughts of Holly. His mood brightened at the idea of seeing her again soon, though a part of him couldn't shake the twinge of disappointment from waking up alone. He followed Winky's directions and settled himself at the dining table, waiting patiently until Holly finally returned, looking every bit the vision he had been hoping for.
She burst into the room, her face flushed, eyes sharp with frustration. She wore sky-blue leggings and a matching sports bra, her toned stomach exposed and glistening with the light sheen of exertion, though no sweat seemed to mar her perfect skin. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail, with a few rebellious strands framing her face. She was the picture of both strength and vulnerability, and Kol felt his pulse quicken as he watched her approach.
Without warning, Holly moved with purpose, her body sinking into his lap as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her arms looped around his neck, drawing him in, and then her lips crashed against his with a fierce, desperate passion. The intensity of her kiss set his senses on fire, a raw, insistent hunger fueling her movements. Kol's hands moved on their own, his fingers sliding over the curve of her waist with an almost magnetic pull. It was as if his body couldn't bear to have even the smallest gap between them. He drew her closer, every inch of space disappearing until they were pressed together, chest to chest, the heat of her body seeping into his own. Her presence was overwhelming, intoxicating, and he couldn't resist the urge to pull her even tighter, his grip possessive yet gentle, as if she were both his anchor and his undoing.
"I missed you this morning," Kol murmured against her lips, his voice low and thick with desire.
Holly pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes, though she made no move to leave his lap. "Sorry," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "I have this running routine, and I was restless after yesterday. But instead of working off the tension, I've only gained a new frustration."
Kol raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Frustration? What happened?"
Holly sighed dramatically, her lips curling in an exaggerated pout. "I never thought I'd miss sweating. But here we are. First, I accidentally ran at vampire speed instead of keeping it human. It's... convenient, I suppose, but it's too fast. I couldn't think things through, couldn't process, and running is how I sort through my thoughts. Then, when I finally managed to slow down, I couldn't get tired. No sweat, no exhaustion—nothing. It's infuriating. How am I supposed to feel alive if I can't even break a sweat?"
Kol chuckled, a mix of amusement and guilt flickering in his eyes. "I am sorry. I should have been showing you the ropes, darling. I should've taught you how to balance your vampire abilities properly, especially since you've inherited the strength of an Original. We can work on it today—if you don't have other plans."
Holly smiled softly, resting her head against his shoulder. "Don't apologize. Our life's been non-stop since we met. Besides, I haven't exactly taught you how to use a wand either. Maybe today we can focus on exploring what we both share."
A slow, wicked smirk spread across Kol's lips as his hands found their home on her hips, fingers curling possessively. "And as for your stamina problem..." His voice dropped to a low, teasing murmur as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "I think you'll find I'm more than capable of making you sweat, darling. Perhaps we should start that lesson sooner rather than later." His words were a promise, laced with both playful mischief and simmering desire.
Before Kol could act on his playful promise, two things happened at once. First, a feast of food appeared on the table, courtesy of Dobby and Winky, filling the air with the delicious smells of breakfast. Then, in a burst of flame and song, Fawkes, Holly's phoenix, materialized in the room. The majestic bird dropped a stack of newspapers and letters onto the table, then promptly helped himself to a piece of bacon as payment for his delivery.
Holly stared at the pile of mail with thinly veiled resignation. "Ugh," she groaned, leaning back in Kol's arms. "I'd hoped the post would magically disappear this morning." After a beat, she summoned the stack into her hand, plucking one of the newspapers free—the Daily Prophet. She handed it to Kol, her eyes narrowing. "Here, you read it. I don't have the patience for this. I'm sure there's a letter from my family I'll have to deal with afterward."
Kol, sensing something was amiss, scanned the front page and immediately understood why. There, splashed across the cover, was a giant photograph of him and Holly, locked in a passionate kiss in front of Milan's Duomo Cathedral. The photo was suggestive, certainly more PG-18 than usual tabloid fare. Kol couldn't help but smirk, his own arousal simmering at the memory of the night—and of Holly in her current attire. Above the photograph, a headline screamed: "The Rise of the Dark Lord and Lady!" For more, see page 2.
Kol turned the page with a sharp flick of his wrist, and his eyes immediately narrowed as pages two and three revealed a spread of text and images that felt both invasive and vile. The photographs told the story of their time in Milan, but not through their eyes—through the lens of someone who had been lurking in the shadows, capturing moments that should have been private. Picture after picture, they chronicled the intimate details of their trip. Kol felt his jaw tighten as he scanned the familiar scenes—feeding Holly at La Bullona, helping her into his car, the two of them dancing under the stars in the shadow of the Duomo Cathedral. It was all there, laid bare for the world to see. But the worst of it wasn't just the invasion—it was how those moments, full of love and joy, had been twisted into something cheap and sordid.
Kol exhaled sharply and began reading aloud.
Holly Potter's Deadly Alliance to Conquer Europe?
by Rita Skeeter
My dear readers,
After my last exposé on Holly Potter, I made it my mission to keep you updated on the once-beloved Heroine's increasingly dark path. Frankly, after the shocking events in America—events which have only recently come to light—I assumed The Girl Who Lived would retreat from the public eye, lick her wounds, and hide away in shame.
How wrong I was. Oh, how deeply wrong, my dear readers! And yet, despite my better judgment, I kept my ear to the ground for any whispers of Holly Potter's next move, and it appears I have stumbled upon something far more troubling than even I anticipated.
It is with great sorrow that I bring you this news, as it seems our former Savior has now aligned herself with none other than an Original Vampire—Kol Mikaelson. And if the damning photographs in my possession are anything to go by, it appears she is exchanging far more than mere pleasantries with him.
Yes, you read that correctly, dear readers. The Kol Mikaelson, infamous for his ruthlessness, his thirst for violence, his utter disregard for human life, and—perhaps most concerning—his unhealthy fascination with witches. It seems it isn't just wizarding Britain who has been deceived by Holly Potter, but even one of the most dangerous beings on Earth has now fallen into her web of manipulation and deceit.
Shocking, isn't it? But what makes this accusation even more chilling is a recent, grotesque turn of events—just days ago, Holly Potter was directly responsible for the death of Mikaelson's own mother.
Tell me, dear readers, what kind of son forgives his mother's killer? The answer is simple: none. Not a single one.
And yet here we are, with Holly Potter seemingly pulling the strings of this ancient and powerful creature with terrifying ease. The pressing question now is: what does she intend to do with the power she has obtained? What dark ambitions lie beneath this deadly alliance?
One eyewitness from the magical district of Milan provided some shocking insight into their latest public escapade:
"Kol Mikaelson ran from a reporter using vampire speed," the witness recounted. "Before that he did some kind of magic that sent everyone flying! Everyone knows he lost his magic a thousand years ago when he became a vampire—maybe Holly killed someone and gave him magic. I don't know, honestly."
There you have it, dear readers. A frightening truth revealed. Holly Potter, it seems, is on a power-hungry quest, and who knows how far she is willing to go?
So I leave you with this question: Who will stop her? And how much more danger lurks in the shadows, from those we least expect?
Stay vigilant, my brave readers. I'll continue to keep you informed of any lurking threats, no matter where they may come from.
Yours courageously,
Rita Skeeter
Kol's fingers clenched around the edges of the newspaper, the thin paper crumpling under the force of his grip. His stomach twisted into tight knots of disgust as he read and reread the venomous words printed before him, each line stoking a fire in his chest that burned hotter by the second. Rita Skeeter, that vile, conniving liar, had twisted everything, warping their bond—something sacred, something real—into a grotesque spectacle for the masses. She had turned their intimacy into a weapon, a lurid story meant to manipulate and scandalize, and Kol could feel the fury bubbling up inside him, threatening to spill over.
He pulled Holly closer against his chest, protective instinct kicking in, but her face was distant, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Not wanting to disturb her, Kol quietly reached for another newspaper—Witchy Weekly.
The sound of the paper ruffling broke Holly's silent contemplation, and she immediately moved to snatch it back from Kol's hands, though her efforts were, predictably, unsuccessful.
"You don't need to read that. Just some teenage stuff, full of angst," she muttered, trying to downplay its significance.
Kol grinned, holding the newspaper well out of her reach. "Ah, ah, ah. Methinks the lady doth protest too much." Her reaction, paired with her persistent efforts to retrieve the paper, only piqued his curiosity further.
With a quick glance at the first page, his eyes caught the bold headline: "We Called It! Our Dream Ship is Real! Holly and Kol on a Date in Milan!"
"Well, well, well," he drawled, clearly enjoying himself. "Finally, some good press. I simply must read this aloud."
Holly sighed in defeat, her hand falling to her side. She could only hope that the article didn't dive too deeply into fanfiction... but who was she kidding? Of course, it would. In fact, they'd probably celebrate it.
Still holding her at bay with one hand, Kol began reading aloud with theatrical flair:
"Holly and Kol on a Date in Milan: Our Dream Ship is Real!"
by Mathilda Buchanan
Dearest Witches,
(and Wizards)
Do you remember the very first fanfiction pairing Holly Potter with Kol Mikaelson, written by the illustrious Greta Catchlove? How their undeniable chemistry, the sheer power and beauty of their combined personas, sparked our imaginations, inflamed our desires, and kindled the hope that, one day, this ship might sail for real—despite the fact that Kol Mikaelson hadn't been seen in over a century?
Well, our dreams have officially come true!
After the Daily Prophet's recent reporting that Holly Potter had been spotted in the company of the entire Mikaelson family, assisting in their efforts to prevent the genocide of the vampire race, we dared not hope for more. After all, fantasies are mere figments of the imagination, right? Wrong! Fantasies, dear readers, are meant to become reality!
Apparently, Kol's brush with death ignited a spark between our favorite duo, and the pair were seen on not one but two romantic outings in Milan over the last two days!
Their first day was spent in Muggle Milan. The couple were seen cozying up in a charming restaurant, before sharing an intimate dance to piano music, right in front of Milan's famed cathedral. They ended their magical night with a gondola ride, and, though we can only imagine how the evening came to a close, one thing is certain—our fanfiction writers will be working overtime to conjure the details!
Day two found them strolling through Milan's magical district, and by all accounts, they seemed even more comfortable and very touchy. Perhaps the night before had relieved some of the tension between them?
Sadly, their charming outing was cut short by the arrival of paparazzi. One rude reporter even had the audacity to proposition Holly in public! Kol, of course, stepped in. Witnesses say the reporter went deathly pale after Kol whispered something to him—a true knight in shining armor, defending his lady's honor!
We asked our expert in non-verbal communication to analyze the couple's body language based on the photographs we obtained. Here's what they had to say:
"In almost every picture, Kol holds Holly very closely to him, making a subtle but clear claim that she is his—a warning to any would-be suitors. He holds her close, but not so close as to suffocate her, allowing her space to breathe—a very healthy dynamic for any relationship.
The places he touches her—her hips, the space just above her bottom—along with the kisses trailing along her neck, indicate a deeply intimate relationship between them.
But perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the way they look at each other. I have rarely, if ever, seen such devotion, love, and wonder between a couple. Such looks are usually confined to fairy tales or, dare I say it, fanfiction. And yet here they are. One might even suspect they are soulmates, something previously only documented between witches or wizards.
While the world knows Kol Mikaelson as an indomitable Original Vampire, what many seem to forget is his powerful heritage as a witch. The magic he once wielded was legendary, a force to be reckoned with before it was seemingly taken from him upon becoming a vampire. But here's the intriguing part—there's a belief that magic, once embedded in the soul, never truly fades. It clings to its wielder, waiting for the right moment to reawaken. Could Holly be the key to unlocking the dormant powers within Kol? Some whispers in the magical community suggest that their bond, if strong enough, might just spark something more than mere romance—something ancient and powerful. Rumor also has it that soulmates share their powers, and this could explain Kol's display of magic while escaping the paparazzi. For now, this is all speculation, but I shall continue to watch the pair with great interest."
So, stay tuned, dear readers! We'll be keeping a close eye on Holly and Kol's next appearances. In the meantime, why not indulge in our most popular fanfictions about this sizzling couple?
With Original Love,
Mathilda Buchanan
With every sentence Kol read, his amusement grew, while Holly's face shifted from horror to complete mortification. It wasn't just that the article was ridiculous—apparently, they had fans. Fans who wanted them together so badly they wrote stories about them. Kol wasn't entirely sure what "fanfiction" entailed, but he had a fairly good idea.
And really, why wonder when he could tease Holly about it?
"What's fanfiction?" Kol asked, his voice deceptively innocent, his face a perfect mask of curiosity.
Holly felt her heart skip a beat. She wasn't prepared for that question. "Can we just pretend this never happened?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Not a chance in hell." Kol's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I want to read all about what they imagine us doing."
"No way in hell," Holly shot back, her stubbornness matching his own. "They're just silly stories. People with too much time on their hands, nothing else."
Kol smirked, clearly enjoying the rise he was getting out of her. "If they're so silly, you won't mind if I read a few, will you? Winky!"
With a pop, Winky the house-elf appeared, her wide eyes looking between the two.
"Bring me the newspapers with those... what were they called? Ah yes, fanfictions, featuring me and Holly."
"No, Winky!" Holly blurted out, panic rising in her voice. "Do not bring those! Burn every single copy!"
Winky looked bewildered, her small face scrunched in confusion. "What does Winky do? Bring or burn?"
Kol raised an eyebrow. "Bring them, of course."
"No! Don't!" Holly's voice hitched, but before Winky could react, she began frantically hitting her own head against the nearest table.
Kol sighed deeply, stepping forward with an air of calm authority. 'Winky, stop,' he said gently, his voice soothing yet firm. "No one's burning or bringing anything today." The house-elf hesitated, her large, tear-filled eyes darting nervously between them, visibly conflicted. Holly, still blushing furiously, let out a shaky breath, her emotions a tangled web of embarrassment and gratitude. She glanced at Kol, her exasperation fading just enough to be replaced by a quiet sense of relief that he had stepped in at just the right moment. His steady presence was becoming her anchor in more ways than one.
"For now, I'll let it go," Kol said, eyes gleaming with challenge. "But remember, I always get what I want."
"In your dreams," Holly muttered, half amused, half resigned.
Kol chuckled, watching her grab the remaining mail from the table, but when she opened the next letter, her face fell into a deep frown.
"It's from Draco." Holly read the brief, pointed note aloud:
Potter,
It's disappointing we have to find out about your newfound happiness through the press.
Expect us for dinner at 7 p.m. sharp.
Draco
Kol tilted his head, amused at the bluntness. "That's it?"
Holly groaned, sinking into the nearest chair. "He's furious. And this is his way of punishing me—keeping it short and leaving me to worry about what he's really thinking."
"My family is coming to dinner tonight," she added, her voice edged with apprehension.
"Brilliant," Kol replied with a grin. "They're going to love me."
Holly wasn't so sure. Panic swelled inside her. This would be their first real meeting—her family and Kol, her soulmate. She wasn't sure what she feared more: them not getting along or them judging her for the whirlwind relationship she had with the unpredictable Original.
"I need to give you some tips. Don't let Draco provoke you. He's... well, he's slippery, like a snake."
Kol snorted. "Darling, I think I can handle a thirty-something-year-old Slytherin with a superiority complex."
"And Luna..." Holly hesitated, thinking of her quirky friend. "She sees creatures that no one else can. Don't tell her they don't exist."
"Of course not," Kol said, nodding as if this made perfect sense. "She's a Seer—sees what no one else does."
"Blaise is the most reasonable, but he's also my lawyer and advisor, so he tends to mix business with personal matters."
Kol's grin widened. "Best combination, if you ask me."
"And Narcissa..." Holly bit her lip. "She'll be watching to see if you have the right manners. Don't slouch, offer me a chair, and use as many posh words as you can."
Kol placed a hand on his chest, feigning affront. "Darling, I always have impeccable manners."
"Andromeda will judge how you treat Teddy. If she thinks you're any sort of threat to him... well, let's just say she'll be keeping a close eye on you."
Kol nodded thoughtfully. "Simple—if they bite, I bite back. If not, we're good."
Holly couldn't help but smile at that, though worry still gnawed at her. "And Teddy... bless him, he's been waiting for you just as much as I have. He's so eager to meet you."
Kol softened, the playfulness in his eyes dimming just a little. "If he's even half as cute as his godmother, I'm sure we'll get along just fine."
"Kol!" Holly's exasperation returned. "Can you take this seriously?"
Kol smiled softly and stepped closer, cupping her face. "I am taking it seriously. Look, everything will be fine. Your family loves you and wants you to be happy. And from what the press has been writing, I'm clearly making you happy." His voice turned more somber. "I've survived dinners with my family, full of hidden agendas and someone always ending up daggered. I think I can handle a few wizards who think I'm not good enough for you. Because let's be honest, I'm not—but I will be."
Holly's heart swelled at his words. In one fluid motion, she kissed him, pouring all her love and relief into the gesture, forgetting about the scattered mail and newspapers.
As they pulled apart, Kol's mischievous grin returned. "So... how about we spend the rest of the day before dinner honing your vampire abilities? And I still want to play with my new wand."
Holly smirked, her eyes gleaming with playful affection. "I love it when you talk dirty to me."
That earned her another kiss, one that promised much more to come.
Soon they found themselves in a clearing nestled within the woods surrounding Holly's property, the quiet serenity of nature contrasting with the intense energy coursing between them.
With Kol's guidance, Holly quickly mastered the art of vampire running. The sensation of moving at such speed was intoxicating, her body a blur as she zipped through the trees. Each step felt weightless, as if she were defying gravity. When she came to an abrupt halt, her chest heaved, not from exhaustion, but from the sheer exhilaration of it all. She could feel the raw power coursing through her, her strength nearly rivaling Kol's—a fact that hadn't gone unnoticed by him. He watched her with a mixture of pride and admiration.
"Impressive," Kol remarked, his voice smooth with approval, though a glint of mischief danced in his eyes. "But let's see how well you handle a fight."
Holly's lips curled into a knowing grin. She wiped her brow dramatically, feigning a slight weariness. "I'm ready whenever you are."
Kol stepped toward her, his posture relaxed but his movements deliberate. He led her through a series of offensive and defensive techniques, his hands guiding her wrists, adjusting her stance. His voice, low and teasing, sent shivers down her spine as he whispered critiques, correcting her form with the lightest of touches. She followed his instructions with practiced ease, letting him believe he was teaching her—though in truth, she had already perfected every move. Years of martial arts training had honed her skills well beyond what she allowed him to see.
Finally, Kol decided to up the ante. "Alright," he drawled, smirking. "Time to put what you've learned to the test. Defend yourself and counter-attack... immediately."
Kol lunged forward, his speed a blur as he aimed to grab her. But Holly moved like lightning—sharp and precise. With impeccable timing, she ducked under his reach, her body twisting gracefully. As Kol overextended, she flipped herself over his arm, locking her legs around his neck in a seamless aerial takedown. Holly shifted her weight, using Kol's momentum against him, and in one fluid motion, she slammed him to the ground. He crashed onto his back with a forceful impact, disoriented by the suddenness of her counter-attack.
Kol blinked up at the sky in stunned silence, his eyes wide in disbelief. For a moment, the world around him seemed to pause, as if even the wind was holding its breath. Then, realization dawned on him, and he let out a low, incredulous laugh.
"You set me up... again!" Kol exclaimed, his voice half-amused, half-exasperated as he propped himself up on his elbows, staring up at her with a mix of awe and playful annoyance.
Holly couldn't contain her laughter, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "What can I say? I learn fast." She extended her hand to help him up, her lips curved in a teasing smirk, but her gaze held a knowing spark.
Kol took her hand, but instead of standing up, he suddenly yanked hard, trying to pull her down toward him. Holly's reflexes kicked in instantly. She shifted her weight, twisted her body mid-air, and landed gracefully, pinning Kol's wrist to the ground while her knee pressed against his chest. They were locked in an intimate struggle, faces mere inches apart.
Kol chuckled, breathless yet impressed. "Years of training, huh?" he said, his voice low, thick with amusement and something darker, more enticing. "You should've warned me."
Holly's lips quirked into a grin as she leaned closer, her breath warm against his skin. "Where's the fun in that?" she murmured, her voice a sultry whisper. "Besides, I thought you liked surprises."
Kol's gaze darkened with desire, his eyes searching hers as if she were a mystery he desperately wanted to unravel. He exhaled softly, the challenge evident in his tone. "You've been holding back on me."
Holly's lips hovered tantalizingly close to his ear, her voice dripping with sensuality. "Maybe," she purred, letting her lips brush just barely against his jawline. "But I think you taught me something else... how to enjoy the anticipation." Her words were a slow, deliberate tease, every syllable laced with electric tension.
Kol's grin widened, his hands sliding up to her waist as he shifted beneath her, pulling her closer until she could feel the heat of his body against hers. His voice dropped to a husky murmur. "Anticipation, huh? Then let me tell you this… next time, you won't see it coming. And when I make you feel it, darling…" His lips ghosted over her ear, his breath warm, "it's going to linger."
Holly smirked, her heart racing with excitement, and for a moment, neither of them moved. The tension between them crackled, alive with possibility, until finally, Kol released her with a playful shove.
"Now, let's see if you can surprise me again," he said, slipping back into a fighting stance, his grin daring her to make the next move.
And Holly, never one to back down from a challenge, readied herself—this time, with no more holding back.
From there, the game between them truly began.
Kol's smirk widened as he finally stopped holding back, unleashing the full extent of his vampire speed and strength. He darted forward in a blur of motion that would have been impossible for anyone else to track, but Holly was ready. Her years of training, honed reflexes, and heightened vampire instincts allowed her to match his speed with fluid grace. The thrill of matching Kol at every turn sent a jolt of adrenaline through her veins, making her pulse quicken with excitement.
They moved like dancers, their bodies weaving and twisting through the forest as they circled each other. Every step, every strike was a calculated move, and yet the game between them was charged with something more. The air crackled with electricity, and each near miss or grazing touch ignited sparks of desire. Kol's centuries of experience showed in the precision of his movements, while Holly's fierce determination and skill kept her constantly in the game. The dance of combat between them blurred the line between play and something far more dangerous.
Holly's breath came in shallow bursts, not from exhaustion but from the heat building between them. Kol's power and raw energy were intoxicating, pushing her to her limits, and yet she met him with equal fire. She knew he had the advantage of centuries of experience, but she wasn't intimidated. She could feel the thrill coursing through her veins—the chase, the fight, and the unspoken promise of what might come if she kept pushing him to his edge.
Kol's eyes gleamed with hunger, his gaze devouring every inch of her. He wasn't just fighting her—he was savoring every moment, every touch, every breath. Holly was more than a challenge; she was a temptation, and Kol could feel his focus slipping as his desire for her overwhelmed his need to win.
They collided again, their bodies crashing together with force. Kol's hands closed around her arm, but Holly twisted free with a quick pivot, her fingers grazing his chest as she darted away. The heat of her touch lingered on his skin, sending a surge of need through him. His body hummed with tension, every muscle straining toward her, drawn by more than just the thrill of the fight.
"I think you're getting distracted," Holly teased breathlessly, her eyes dancing with mischief as she dodged another of his lunges. Her lips curled into a grin as she saw the effect she was having on him.
Kol's voice dropped to a low, dangerous rumble, his gaze darkening with lust. "Distracted? Darling, you have no idea what you've started."
This time, he didn't hold back at all. With a predatory gleam in his eye, Kol moved faster than Holly could anticipate. He closed the distance between them in a flash, pinning her against a tree before she had a chance to react. His body pressed against hers, their chests heaving in tandem as they stared into each other's eyes. The tension between them snapped taut like a string, vibrating with intensity as they stood frozen, inches apart, their breaths mingling in the charged air.
Holly's heart raced in her chest, the heat of Kol's body searing through her clothes. She could feel the weight of his gaze on her, and the raw, undeniable hunger in his eyes made her pulse quicken. Kol leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"Caught you," he whispered, his voice rough and full of dark promise.
But Holly wasn't the type to surrender easily. With a sudden twist, she slipped from his grip and spun around him, using her momentum to shove him back with surprising force. Kol stumbled, his back slamming into the tree with a thud, but before he could recover, Holly was on him. She pressed her body against his, her hands pinning his wrists against the bark as she stared up at him with a triumphant smile.
Their bodies were flush, every inch of her pressed against him, the heat between them building to an almost unbearable level. Kol's eyes flashed with desire, his breath coming faster as he felt the tension coil tightly between them. He could feel the curve of her body against his, the warmth of her skin through her clothes, and it was driving him mad with need.
"You set me up," Kol breathed, his voice low and thick with desire. His lips curled into a wicked grin as he stared down at her. "Again."
Holly's lips barely brushed his, teasing him with the lightest of touches. "Maybe I just wanted to see what would happen if I won," she whispered, her voice sultry and full of heat.
Kol's response was immediate. His lips crashed against hers in a fierce, desperate kiss, all the pent-up tension between them exploding in an instant. Holly moaned into his mouth, the sound swallowed by Kol's insistent kiss as his hands broke free from her hold, roaming over her body with a hunger that matched her own.
Their kiss deepened, growing more urgent, their tongues tangling as their hands explored each other's bodies. Kol's fingers slid beneath Holly's waistband, finding her slick heat with an expert touch. Holly gasped into his mouth, her body arching against him as pleasure shot through her.
Not to be outdone, Holly, filled with uncertainty, touched Kol for the first time. Her fingers wrapped tentatively around him, her movements hesitant, yet enough to pull a deep groan from Kol's lips as he pressed further into their kiss. His hips bucked instinctively, and soon, their motions fell into a shared rhythm, each stroke, each touch drawing them closer to the edge.
The world around them faded away. There was no forest, no sparring match—only the raw, primal desire that burned between them. Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, every gasp and moan fueling the heat that surged between them. Holly's nails dug into Kol's back as she felt herself teetering on the brink, her body trembling under the weight of the sensation.
Kol's lips traveled to her neck, sucking and nibbling at the sensitive skin, while his fingers continued their relentless, skilled work. Holly let out a soft cry, her body tensing as the orgasm swept over her, waves of pleasure crashing through her. She shuddered against him, her legs weakening, but Kol held her firmly, his grip possessive and steadying.
Moments later, Kol followed her over the edge, a deep, primal sound escaping his throat as he buried his face in the crook of her neck. His body trembled with release, his hold on her tightening as the waves of pleasure rolled through him. They remained pressed tightly together, sharing the intense, intimate moment.
For what felt like an eternity, they stayed like that, their bodies still intertwined, their breaths coming in ragged pants. Slowly, Kol pulled back, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he looked down at her.
"You're full of surprises," he murmured, his voice low and husky as his hand slid lazily down her waist.
Holly smiled breathlessly, her fingers still resting against his chest. "You have no idea," she replied, her voice soft but filled with promise.
Kol chuckled darkly, his gaze smoldering with desire and amusement. He released her, stepping back slightly, though the heat between them hadn't fully dissipated. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand, twirling it between his fingers with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Now," he said, his voice playful, though still thick with arousal. "Let's play with my other wand."
Holly laughed, her eyes bright with mischief as she caught her breath. She reached for her own wand, still tingling with the aftermath of their shared release. "I think I can handle that," she teased, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
Kol grinned wickedly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Oh, darling," he said, his voice dropping to a low, seductive murmur. "You're about to find out just how skilled I am with it."
They started with simple first-year spells, but Kol's curiosity and hunger for knowledge were insatiable. He dived into this new branch of magic with an eagerness that made Holly proud. She suspected it wouldn't take him long to run through all seven years' worth of spellbooks. Perhaps a month, if he was feeling particularly ambitious.
"You're a natural," Holly said, smiling as she watched him master yet another spell with ease.
Kol, however, seemed far less enthusiastic than she expected. His brow furrowed slightly, a rare sign of his displeasure.
"The goal," he murmured, twirling the wand between his fingers, "is to wield magic without needing this—wandless and wordless, like you do. So I'm just at the beginning of the road."
Holly felt a swell of pride at his ambition. She placed a hand on his arm, squeezing gently. "You'll get there, Kol. I know you will."
"I wonder which Hogwarts house I would've been sorted into," Kol mused aloud, his tone suddenly lighter.
Holly raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Care to hazard a guess?"
He shrugged, a smirk playing at his lips. "I can't deny I was impulsive enough in the past to land in Gryffindor. But then again, I was also sneaky… perhaps Slytherin."
"Maybe one day we could sneak into the Headmaster's office and find out," Holly teased.
Kol's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I just know you're going to get us into trouble. I'm in. Do you think I'll get to see Hogwarts when we visit for the 15th Anniversary?"
Holly chuckled. "I don't see why not. I'll ask McGonagall."
Kol stretched, a mischievous grin creeping back onto his face. "You know, from now on, I'll gladly make this kind of workout a regular thing with you."
With a cheeky smile, Holly suddenly jumped onto his back. "If that's the case, my trusty steed, then onward! Giddy up!"
Kol groaned dramatically, though the grin never left his face. "I am not a horse!"
"No, you're my pack mule. Now, go!" she teased, kicking her heels lightly against his sides.
As Kol carried her, he joked, "You're lucky I like you." But the words didn't sit right with him. They echoed uncomfortably, reminding him of something he'd said to her not so long ago: "You're going to love me, but I'll let you pretend for a little while that you don't." Now, with Holly laughing on his back, Kol felt the weight of his own words. He was starting to think he might have to eat them—pretending he didn't love her yet, when in truth, he was fooling himself. But he wasn't ready to admit that. Not yet.
