KIARA We stared at each other for a moment, neither of us willing to make the first move. Even so, the reason I was unable to move was probably a lot different from the reason why he remained immobile. Dread had sank deep into me, and my legs just wouldn't move. Denzel had made me promise him that I would run far away if I ever encountered Adam again. But there I was, frozen to the spot, too petrified to run. Slowly, Adam rose to his feet and cracked his knuckles. He regarded me with a languid gaze, his head cocked to the side. I swallowed hard as his gaze roamed from my face to my feet, and back to my face again. The hair on the back of my neck stood stiff, sweat rolling down my spine. Taking a deep breath, Adam turned his back to me with unhurried movements. My breath hitched in my throat as I stared at the familiar sight of Denzel's well proportioned physique- a body that was now occupied by a different entity, against the will of the host. "Run. I'm going to count until ten

DENZEL "Aren't you curious to know how he knows? I'm the only one who knows everything. I'm a ghost after all. One that only you can see," she said, her grin widening.Letting out a sigh, I rubbed my forehead and closed my eyes. "What did you do?" I said."I possessed a living vessel," she giggled and my eyes shot open. "Of course I can possess the living, you didn't know that? It only works with weak people though. For example, your beloved mate," she stated, her tone dripping with mockery. This was bad. Not only did I have to protect Kiara from Adam and myself, I had to protect her from Deanna as well. Deanna grinned and leaned against my desk, propping her chin on her palm. "The look on your face is certainly priceless. Don't worry, I won't possess her," she said.Winking at me, she leaned closer and whispered two words. "Not yet."Frustration tightened it's grip on me, fueling my impatience. I couldn't stand the thought of Deanna corrupting my mate's body. "Stay away fro

KIARA "Denzel?" I whispered, tapping my mate's arm. When he didn't respond, my heart sank. The figure at the other end of the hallway was approaching us steadily. I had a feeling that this man was Denzel's father. My priority was to keep a good distance between father and son."Don't confront him," I heard Denzel say. His voice was so low, I had to listen closely."Can you stand?" I asked, and he let out a sigh."I don't think so," he breathed."That man is your father, isn't he?" I whispered. He inhaled sharply, his hands loosely resting on my waist."I don't know why...but there's something about him that's familiar. I feel like I've met him before," I told him, and he stiffened."W-what? That's not- ""Coward!" Denzel's father growled. The sunlight spewing from the windows reflected on him. I could see his sharp features. He had graying black hair, which was tied up in a ponytail. His moustache and menacing silver gaze made him look unapproachable. Even so, I could tell that

KIARA I'd probably lost my mind for a moment, because when I realized what I'd just blurted out, I desperately wished to vanish into thin air. The air in the room had grown both hotter and thicker. I could see it in Denzel's eyes. Those golden eyes were a shade darker, and they were filled with lust. He cocked his head, his gaze pinned on me. I swallowed, heat creeping onto my cheeks."You don't mean that, do you?" His voice rumbled from his chest, sending a shiver down my spine.I didn't know how to tell him that I'd blurted those words in the spur of the moment. Somehow, when I'd seen the wounded look in his eyes as he spoke about Deanna, a fierce wave of possessiveness had latched onto me. Denzel was mine now. Deanna had no right to taunt my mate."I see what you did."Denzel's lips curved into a sly smirk as he leaned closer to me until we were barely a hair's breadth apart. "W-what are you talking about?" I stuttered, my eyes darting from one corner of the room to the other

KIARA "Can you do it now?" I asked, squinting at him. Although I was desperate, I was a little skeptical about how easy he made it sound. Even if he could create a barrier that could keep Lucas out of my head, there was no way he could set it up while he was in a weakened state. However, I had a feeling that he wanted to set up the barrier as quickly as possible. Denzel cocked his head, his gaze intense."You don't think I can do it right now?"I gave him a small smile as I reached out and took hold of his hand. "I don't want you to push yourself too hard," I stressed, maintaining our eye contact. "Kiss me," he breathed, and my eyes widened. I was startled by his sudden statement. We'd gotten to the point where exchanging kisses shouldn't be surprising. Still, I couldn't help but feel flustered. "Right now?" I squeaked, feeling my blood rush to my cheeks.Denzel did not give me a response. Instead, he cupped the back of my head, pulled me closer to himself and kissed me deepl