#Chapter 21: Out of Body

Agnes Elijah’s lips were soft and sweet against mine, sweeter than any sugar I had ever tasted. The feeling of his hands cupping my body felt like the most natural thing in the world, and it felt as if I could stay like this forever. But as I pulled back from the kiss for air, a whirlwind of emotions swirled around inside of me. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, could only stand there and stare up at Elijah in shock. It was as if I had stepped outside my own body, watching the scene unfold from a distance. My heart raced, and my lips still tingled from the warmth of Elijah’s touch. Did that even just happen, or was I imagining things? But reality came crashing back the instant my gaze fell upon the mating mark etched into Elijah’s neck. The reddish mark seemed to catch the light as he dipped his head to kiss me again, and instinctively, I leaned back before our lips could touch. A cold wave of realization washed over me, pulling me back to reality.