Lunar Legacy: Rise Of The Beastlord

Jayden tugged on the laces of his sneakers, tightening the last knot with a firm pull before straightening. The moonlight spilling in through the half-open balcony curtains bathed his room in a pale silver glow.

It was late.. well past the time most people were winding down, but for him, the night had only just begun. The hunger to grow stronger gnawed at him constantly now. Hunting was the fastest way to get more experience points.

He shrugged into his jacket, adjusting the collar, his mind already on the forest. His muscles felt alive, humming with restless energy. He moved toward the balcony, one foot already up on the ledge when...

Knock.

The sound was soft tap on the door, deliberate, almost teasing.

Jayden froze, letting out a long breath through his nose. He glanced at the door, brows knitting. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped down, crossed the room, and pulled it open.

And then his eyes went wide.

Standing there was Tasha... wrapped in a silky, pink nightdress that left little to the imagination. The neckline plunged just enough to showcase the swell of her breasts, her toned thighs bare beneath the hem, smooth skin catching the hallway light. She looked so irresistible, the gown revealing her sexy curves to Jayden.

Jayden swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "Tasha... what are you doing here?"

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile, voice low and sultry. "What does it look like?" she purred, stepping inside without waiting for permission.

Jayden instinctively backed up as she entered, his pulse climbing. She made her way to the bed with a slow, deliberate sway of her hips, then sat down, crossing one leg over the other in an achingly seductive gesture.

Jayden's breath caught. That simple motion was enough to drive him wild with desire. But restraint was his strongest attribute. He closed the door behind him, leaned on it for a beat, and then sighed.

"Tasha, this is really a bad time," he began, forcing his voice steady. "I have to—"

"Oh, that's a shame." She cut him off with mock disappointment, her tone dripping with playful offense. "I've been training all day and I thought I'd come here to... relieve myself of the stress." She tilted her head, feigning hurt. "After all, you gave Jessica a massage. But I guess..." she turned her face dramatically away from him, "...I'm not that important to you."

Jayden couldn't help but smile at her antics. He walked closer, leaned down, and cupped her face gently, guiding her gaze back to his.

"You will always be important to me, Tasha. You know that. I just really need to go hunting tonight. But I promise—"

His words never finished.

Tasha suddenly surged up, grabbed his neck, and yanked him down into her. Her lips crashed into his with fiery urgency.

Jayden's eyes widened at the suddenness of it, but within seconds he melted into the kiss, responding with equal hunger.

Their mouths moved together in heated rhythm, tongues tangling, tasting. Jayden explored Tasha's mouth thoroughly. She tasted sweet.. like wine laced with vanilla. Her soft moans vibrated against his lips, sending sparks of electricity through his chest.

His hands slipped around her waist, caressing the curve of her back, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them.

They broke apart for air, gasping, foreheads pressed together, their breaths heavy and mingling.

Tasha's eyes glimmered with mischief and something more vulnerable beneath it. "I want you right now," she whispered.

Jayden's lips curved into a wry smile. He brushed his thumb along her cheek, already losing the battle against his own restraint. He couldn't hold back anymore.

"Fine," he whispered back. "But let's make it quick. Those beasts won't hunt themselves."

Tasha chuckled softly, clearly pleased, then pulled him back into another kiss. Jayden deepened it, his hands exploring her body, tracing the smooth line of her waist.

One hand slid up slowly, tugging at the strap of her nightdress until it slipped down her shoulder. His palm cupped her breast, and she gasped into his mouth, a soft moan escaping before she pressed herself harder against him.

Step by step, she led him backward, guiding him toward the bed without breaking their kiss. Jayden followed, his hand steady at the small of her back, until they toppled gently onto the mattress.

The night was quickly filled with the heat of their touches, the whispers of fabric against skin, the shared urgency of two people who had been circling this moment for far too long.

....

Moments later,

The storm of passion had passed, and now the room was silent, washed in moonlight. Jayden lay on his back, shirtless but still in his underwear, one arm wrapped protectively around Tasha, who was already fast asleep from exhaustion.

She was nestled against him, completely bare under the duvet, her breathing slow, soft, utterly peaceful.

Jayden looked down at her, his hand brushing over her hair. She looked so different like this... vulnerable, innocent, breathtaking. A small smile touched his lips. He wanted to stay, to watch her like this forever. But he had work to do.

Carefully, he began slipping from her grasp, peeling her arms from his chest without waking her. He slid out of bed, tugged on his pants, then bent to lace up his sneakers once more. He pulled his jacket on, then leaned over the bed to gently tuck the duvet around her body, covering her completely.

He lingered for a moment, his eyes drinking her in. Then he bent low and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Then he turned, heading for the balcony, when her voice stopped him.

"Jayden."

He spun, surprised to see her eyes cracked open, drowsy but focused on him.

"Yeah?" he said softly.

Her lips curved into the faintest, sleepiest smile. "Be careful." The words were barely a whisper.

Jayden's heart warmed. He smiled back. "Always."

Her smile deepened just a little before her eyes fluttered shut again.

Jayden stood there a moment longer, memorizing the sight of her peaceful face, then finally slipped out into the night, ready to hunt beneath the watchful gaze of the moon.