Krevan withdrew with agonizing slowness, his eyes never leaving hers as he gathered her against his chest.The blanket enveloped them like a cocoon."You've ruined me," he growled against her ear, his voice raw."No one else could ever..."His hands trembled slightly as they roamed her skin.Ancelin couldn't speak, could barely breathe through the euphoria flooding her system.His lips found hers again, softer now but no less consuming."Stay with me forever," he whispered against her mouth.She surrendered to exhaustion in his arms, their heartbeats gradually finding the same rhythm.
Thunder woke Ancelin an hour later.Wind had picked up, its cool touch soothing her flushed skin.She slipped from Krevan's embrace and dressed quickly, aware of the dried remnants of their lovemaking on her thighs.As she moved, she felt his gaze tracking her—unblinking, calculating, patient.The predator he'd claimed to be was evident in that silent assessment.
She prepared their picnic in silence, handing him a plate with three sandwiches, fruit, and water before making her own.
"Storm's coming," she said, glancing skyward."No lightning yet, but we should hurry."She sighed, taking in the landscape transformed by approaching gloom."Shame to leave so soon.When summer comes, we could swim here together."
Krevan remained silent, watching her.He stood slowly to fasten his pants.
"Why so quiet?"
"I enjoy watching you," he said simply."I was thinking."
"About what?"
"About how I never expected this."His jaw tightened, then relaxed."Hellgate Prison was...there were days I prayed for death instead of waking to another morning there."His fingers trembled slightly as they finished with his belt."Before you, there was only rage.White-hot.Consuming.Even after I left Hellgate, the rage kept me alive when nothing else would."He paused, looking at her with an intensity that made the air between them feel charged."You've changed that.Changed me.I can't promise to be the man I was before Hellgate.That man is gone.But I swear I'll become someone worthy of you."The last words came out barely above a whisper, as though they'd been pulled from somewhere deep within him.
Ancelin's fingers brushed a wayward strand of hair from her face."Krevan..."Her voice caught."Being with you feels like coming home to a place I've always belonged.Even when you're impossibly stubborn."She met his gaze with a teasing glint in her eyes."But don't worry—I come from a long line of women who know how to handle difficult men.My mother would be proud."
Krevan leaned closer, his voice a low rumble."Difficult, am I?Perhaps you'll find I'm worth the effort."Thunder split the sky without warning, making Ancelin startle against him.
He rose, gathering up their blankets and bags.“We’d better head home.We still need to fashion bows from your ribbon—and you have several cakes to bake for the party.”He offered her a lopsided smile.“I’m actually looking forward to it.”
“Several cakes?”she teased, arching an eyebrow.
He chuckled as he stacked their gear.“One or two won’t be enough for me and the others.”
As a fine drizzle began, Krevan swept her into his arms.“I’ll carry you to the vehicle and be right back for the rest.”In a blur of motion, he set her inside, dashed back for their supplies, and by the time the rain truly pounded down, they were rolling toward home.
Ancelin settled in, welcoming the gentle rocking of the ride.The steady patter of raindrops on the roof was soothing, and she closed her eyes.
Moments later she murmured, voice soft, “Krevan… what exactly does your bite do to me?”
He turned, concern and tenderness flickering across his face.“It makes you feel good.And it feels good for me, too.”He reached out, brushing her cheek with his thumb.“You like it, don’t you?”
She opened her eyes and nodded.“I do.I knew you did as well.But it’s more than pleasure—I can sense something flowing through me, almost alive.”
“It’s an essential part of Triaxen mating,” he said.“That pleasure is reserved for mates.”He paused and met her eyes.“Each bite sends me into an incredible rush.I can’t help but nip at you again and again—especially when we make love.My venom keeps you youthful and healthy, heightens every sensation, primes your body for our child, and ties us together.”
She sighed, eyes closing.“I think I’m addicted to you.”And with that, she drifted off to sleep.
They pulled into the garage, and Krevan gently shook her awake.“Ancelin, we’re home.”His hand brushed the back of her head.“Wake up, my sleeping beauty,” he murmured, his deep voice making her heart race.
She blinked, surprised.“Oh—sorry, I slept the whole way.”
He smiled.“No worries—you’re perfect company.If the storm hadn’t hit, I’d still be making love to you.Go inside and freshen up; I’ll bring in the things you bought for Kellie.”He helped her from the car, and she leaned into his tall frame, wrapping her arms around him.“I love you,” she whispered, kissing him.“After I clean up, I’m baking cakes, breads—and cookies.Do you like cookies?”She placed the picnic basket on the kitchen table.
“I love your cookies.”He pressed a finger to her lips.“Shh.”
She frowned.“What?”
He glanced toward the windows.“I thought I heard something outside.Let’s go inside, check the house and the animals, then we’ll get that bath started.”
"What was it?"Ancelin asked, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Not sure yet.But the house is clear," Krevan said, his eyes scanning the windows.
"Please don't go out there."Ancelin's fingers tightened around his forearm."Come upstairs with me instead.We could bathe together, then make those cookies."
