Maddox slides his hands down my body, finding a tight grip on the swell of my hips which only serves to fan the flames between us until I can barely stand it.

My skin tingles where he touches me and it feels like I can't get close enough to him. This is right. The way we feel right now makes this morning feel like a distant nightmare and I never want to experience it again.

He bites at my bottom lip to coax my mouth open. I eagerly allow him access and our tongues clash in a passionate frenzy as I start to grind myself against him. His hands push up the fabric of my borrowed dress while my hands fumble with the button of his jeans.

"Good gods!" A melodic voice yells from the front door.

We pull apart like the sound of Hecate's voice electrocuted us and I stumble backwards into the table. Maddox's arm reaches out to steady me. My eyes lock onto Hecate's amused face but all I can think about is how much I wish the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

Maddox looks amused, too, and leans into his chair, the picture of relaxation.

You could at least try to look a little embarrassed.

His shit-eating grin only grows as I mind-link him.

Why in the world would I be embarrassed for kissing you?

I ignore him and turn my attention back to Hecate, my cheeks still blazing from getting caught.

"I'm so sorry, Hecate, we-"

"My darling girl, there's no need to apologize. I'm just happy you two have, uhhh.... made up. Now I'm sure you both would like to get back to your cabin."

A wave of fear crashes over me. Did I ruin my chance at having her mentor me because I couldn't keep my hormones in check?

"Wait, please! I have so much to learn from you!"

"And you will. Get a good night of rest-" She emphasizes the last word with a pointed glare at Maddox "and your mate will bring you back here in the morning. We'll have you ready to kick some werewolf ass in no time."

She flashes her brilliant teeth in an open smirk and pulls me in for a hug. I'm disappointed that we have to leave so soon, but excited that the goddess of witchcraft herself will be teaching me.

After she pulls away from me, she turns her attention to Maddox. He smiles a warm, genuine smile at her and she beams up at him as her arms curl around his waist. It was the same look I'd seen Eira give him so many times before and it made my heart ache.

It reminds me of how much I miss my family and friends already and I know Maddox is missing his parents just as desperately. I can feel my earlier fears start to resurface as I start to think of them- Are they safe? Why haven't they called to check in yet, or even send a text?

The diner guys' threat swirls around in my head and I can feel myself begin to panic. It was only a matter of time before Aiden decided to strike again...

Maddox and I start our walk back to our cabin silently. I know he can hear my worried thoughts because I can hear him trying to find the right words to calm my nerves but I know he's just as anxious as I am.

"We're running out of time," I say, my words barely above a whisper.

They feel like sand paper in my throat and I feel the sudden urge to cry.

"Hecate won't let anything else happen."

"Shit's already happened. And I know that's not her fault. She's a goddess. They're not allowed to interfere with mortal affairs. I just wish we could talk to everyone back home without putting them at risk."

"I know. I feel the same way," he sighs. "But, there's nothing we can do right this moment, so let's just relax and enjoy tonight. Tomorrow won't be easy, but Hecate will have you working your magic in no time."

I respond with a tight smile and nod my head. The sun is already setting by the time we make it back and as I step through the front door, the full weight of my exhaustion hits me. Maddox walks in right behind me, wrapping his arm around my waistband placing a soft kiss to the top of my head.

"Take a bath with me," he murmurs into my hair.

I hum a sigh of approval and lean into his touch.

"Mmm, a bath sounds really nice right now."

He pulls away from me reluctantly to draw up a bath. I seat myself on the edge of the bed and watch him as he conjures a magic of his very own by mixing a heady concoction of bath oils and aromatic salts.

I can feel myself relaxing just from the scent of eucalyptus and jasmine alone, and by the time Maddox reaches for my hand to welcome me into the steaming water, all my troubles are soon tucked away into a dark corner of my mind. They can all wait until tomorrow.

Maddox climbs into the tub behind me, his long limbs stretching out over the edges. I lean forward to give him room, but he pulls me back into him until I'm nestled comfortably between his legs.

"What's on your mind?" He mumbles roughly as his fingers begin massaging shampoo through my wet locks.

"Don't you already know the answer to that?" I joke back.

He takes a moment to respond, his focus seemingly on his task of washing me.

"I don't want to have to pry and search your thoughts for answers. I want you to tell me. I want you to want to be open with me. I know things are crazy, but I don't want us to lose each other in all this chaos."

"We won't, " I respond truthfully, feeling lighter than I have in weeks at his words. "But I'm not thinking about anything, honestly. Well, nothing except for what you plan on doing with those hands next."