Page 26 of The Demigod Complex
Lyleia. His nymph stood on dry ground at the bottom of the lake near the chapel, though the water didn’t touch her, pushed outward from her body by an invisible force. He doubted anyone else could see her. Although wolves had excellent vision at night, demigods had better, and he’d been searching for her. Somehow, he knew he’d always find her wherever she was.
Eyes glowing an eerie blue, arms raised above her head, she pushed the wall of water higher. A cool mist brushed his face and dampened the fine cloth of his tux.
He knew exactly what she was doing, especially after the little display from the nymphs in the area when they’d been here talking to Calli before. Leia was making a big damn point. Not an attack against her brethren, per se. More a display of her hurt and anger.
He didn’t know how he knew that, but he did.
His nymph was smart. If her family wouldn’t help her, she’d force their wrath, which would, in turn, result in a display of nature run amok. Because in demonstrating, she was whipping up the other nymphs, forcing them to use their powers against her, manifest a “sign from the gods” for Tala and Marrok.
Fear gouged a hole in his chest. Surrounding Leia on all sides were ten or twelve nymphs who were clearly furious, if their scowls and glowing eyes were anything to go by.
“Lyleia.” He barely breathed the word, but she turned her head in his direction, as though called. He started toward her, compelled to help, but halted when she shook her head. Her pale hair swirled around her face, whipped by the winds assailing her.
Nymphs of various kinds—water, air, fire, earth, electricity—raised their hands. In another explosion of sound and shock waves, they pummeled her with the elements they controlled.
Except none of their efforts touched her.
In fact, she pushed away everything they aimed at her, redirecting it over the forest. How she held them off while controlling the water at the same time, he had no idea. She was magnificent in her effortless use of her power.
Did anyone else suspect? Or was her ploy working?
Where the fuck was Kaios?
A glance around him showed none of the other guests had discovered her. All were too focused on the forest going wild around them. Kaios was across the field from where Castor stood, which meant the wall of water should block Leia from the werewolf’s view. But Kaios stood strangely still with an expression akin to fury tightening his features, his lips drawn back in a sneer.
Castor split his attention between Leia and Kaios, but the man stayed where he was.
The culmination of the mating was nearing—instinct screamed at him as pressure seemed to build all around them. Pressure that had nothing to do with Leia’s actions, and everything to do with the mating magic.
The urge to relieve the need pulsing through him grew to an unbearable ache. His hand went to his cock, gripping through the fine cloth of his tux, tugging. It wasn’t enough. He needed to bury himself in the sweet softness of a woman. For hours. His body told him only Leia could assuage the desire riding him hard. Her display of power had him even more turned on. His fear for her safety, and his demigod instinct to protect her, heightened his need even more.
He wanted to rescue her and sweep her away from this place to their own private mating.
Would she even let him touch her? By the gods, he hoped she would.
A burst of desire pummeled through him, like the wave of water Leia wielded. Groans arose through the gathering of wolf shifters and a handful of other magical creatures in attendance, shouts echoing through the woods as couples reached their own completion in turn.
In the same instant, the cacophony of noise from the forest and river ceased. The water splashed back down to the bedrock with an almighty roar. Stark silence settled over the woods.
Marrok and Tala must have completed the mating.
“A sign.” The cry started with one man. “The gods have spoken. They’ve blessed this union.” Quickly the phrase caught on, repeated in hushed whispers by the rest of those who’d witnessed the storm of nature.
For his part Castor inspected the now calm lake with troubled eyes. Where was Lyleia?
Chapter Ten
A hush fell over the crowd as Tala and Marrok appeared. Then, as if an unseen signal had been given, all the wolves bowed to the alpha pair. After a pause, they both lowered their heads in return to the assemblage, then walked through the group to lead them all back to their cars. The celebration was set to be held back at the hotel.
Tension coiled in Castor’s shoulders, tightening the muscles until they strained against his bones. Leia still hadn’t shown up, but he had to act as though nothing were wrong or all her efforts would be for nothing. He followed the bride and groom and got into the limo with them along with Tala’s maid of honor, her sister Astra.
Other than flushed faces, Tala and Marrok appeared well put together given what they’d just been up to. The couple sat close together on the back bench seat, with Castor and Astra taking opposite side seats.
“Was that Leia?” Tala asked as they pulled away from the parking lot, breaking the awkward silence which had descended.
“Yes.” Worry had the one word grinding from him.
“Where is she?” Marrok asked.
