The Ultimate Sacrifice, Talia Jager [novels to read .TXT] 📗

“We’re doing something on campus.” Mira took a sip of her orange juice.

“Okay.”

“Is that a yes?” Mira asked, impatiently.

“Yeah, that’s a yes.” Zane smiled from ear to ear.

“Excellent. We’ll pick you up at seven.”

After classes were over, Mira and I walked back to our room. “So what am I supposed to wear to this date tonight?”

“Clothes,” she responded sarcastically.

I picked up a pair of socks and threw them at her. “C’mon!”

“When have you ever needed help getting dressed?”

“When I don’t know what I’m doing that night.”

She walked over to our closet and pulled down a pair of denim capris, then proceeded to my dresser and yanked out a white shirt from the middle drawer. “This. It’s simple, but pretty. And bring your sweatshirt.”

I raised my eyebrows and smiled. “Thank you.”

After I got dressed, I fixed my hair up away from my face, and put on my make-up—mostly eye shadow and lip gloss. Lastly, I squirted a little bit of lilac body spray on my chest.

We walked over to the boys’ dorm, where Daxton and Zane were waiting. They both broke into big grins when they saw us. I hurried to Daxton and pulled him against me, hooking my fingers through his belt loops. Feeling his breath against my lips, I kissed him passionately.

I pulled away just in time to see Mira slowly walk up to Zane and smile shyly. She reached down and took his hand. “Let’s go,” she said, leading the way.

We followed her in back of the school toward the garden. I stopped abruptly when I spotted what she had done. “Wow…”

A huge blanket was spread out on the ground surrounded by faerie spheres. These were somewhat smaller than a soccer ball, lit up by faerie light. The light glowed a warm, off-white color.

“How did you get your hands on faerie spheres?”

“I know people.” She smiled, proud of herself.

As we approached, I noticed rose petals thrown all over the blanket. Soft music floated from her iPod. It was perfect—cozy, private, and romantic. I flashed a smile, letting Mira know I approved. I leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I love it…thank you.”

She nudged me with her shoulder. “I’m glad.”

After we ate, we lay back on the blanket to gaze at the dancing stars that illuminated the velvet, moonless sky. There was a slight breeze and the rustling of the leaves could be heard, but not seen. Being in Daxton’s arms underneath the entrancing night sky was astounding, and I found myself wishing I could stay in that moment forever.

Daxton ran his fingers up and down my arm, making me feel tingly inside. “You’re so beautiful.” He brushed my bangs out of my eyes with his fingers. Then they were tracing my lips. I kissed each one as it passed by. There was a heat radiating between us, making every inch of my body want him to kiss me. My gaze moved from his eyes to his lips and back again, trying to make him very aware of what I wanted.

His lips grazed mine, ever so slightly, and I whispered his name. I cupped his face with my hands and allowed my fingers to travel to the back of his head, where they knotted in his hair. The music faded and when I couldn’t stand it anymore, I pulled him to me and pressed my lips to his. He kissed me back harder, making me feel like I was the only girl alive.

My heart soared, and I knew this was right. There was no doubt in my mind that he was the one for me. I had fallen head over heels for this guy in just a short time. In fact, time could stand still right now and I’d be perfectly fine with it.

We pulled apart and he nestled his face in my hair. I stole a glance over at Mira, who was making out with Zane. I smiled, happy for her. She deserved love too, and I knew Zane loved her. It was about time she realized that she loved him back.

It was then that Daxton breathed into my ear, sending fire through my body. Instantly, I felt an incredible passion inside me ignite and power consumed me. Gasping, I quickly scrambled to my feet and ran to the trees.

“What happened? What did you do to her?!” Mira was yelling.

“I didn’t do anything!” Daxton shouted back.

“Kassia! What’s wrong?” Suddenly, Mira was next to me. I was shaking. “Did he hurt you?” I shook my head. “Then what?”

Breathe. After a few deep breaths, I responded, “When we’re…intimate, my power…rises.”

I could tell she was trying not to laugh now. “Are you serious?”

I nodded, closing my eyes.

“Okay. Breathe through it. Feel it settling down.” She took her time with me and helped me relax. “You okay now?”

“Yeah.”

“You might want to bring that up with Dr. Frost. I won’t be around every time you’re making out with a guy.”

Mira went back to the blanket and sat down with Zane. I was too embarrassed to move. How did I let that happen? How could my body lose control over something so wonderful? Did that mean I’d never be able to be with him?

“Kassia,” Daxton called, walking toward me. I hid behind a tree. “Come on out. It’s fine. Remember what I told you? Remember I said I didn’t think you could hurt me?” he asked. “I believe that. I don’t think you could. Besides, I can whisk you away if I need to.”

“It’s too dangerous.”

He was in front of me now, his hair tousled, his eyes full of love. Giving me no chance to react, he placed his hands on my hips and squeezed me close to him. I tried to back away, but he held on tight. He wasn’t forceful, just firm. His eyes searched mine, asking for permission. I sighed lightly and nodded, knowing there was no way I would say no to him—not now, not ever.

He kissed me again, gently at first and then more passionately. He stopped for a second, then, glancing into my eyes again, he kissed my neck and nibbled on my ear. I could feel my body burning again and I wanted to push him away. “Trust me,” he whispered.

I took a deep breath, my body shaking. His eyes locked back onto mine and he kissed me again. The power felt like it had reached its limit and I was truly scared. My eyelids fluttered closed, and I felt like I was spinning. I opened them again and somehow it was like we were dancing, but we were in and out of different places…a beach, a meadow, a forest, a cavern, even a waterfall…each for only a couple of seconds.

Finally, he pulled away and we were back behind the school. The burning in me was gone and I was full of happiness and love. Out of breath, I shook my head, not really understanding what was going on. “What was that?

“See?” he whispered. “We belong together.” While not an answer to my question, it was something that I truly believed.

We walked hand in hand back to the blanket. I lay down next to Mira, who was gazing at the stars again. I took her hand in mine and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you,” I told her.

“For what?” she asked, turning her head so our foreheads were touching.

“The best night ever.”

“What are best friends for?”