Jassyn slipped from Fenn’s grasp. “I’ll…let you two enjoy the extra space.” His eyes darted to Serenna with a silent plea for intervention. “I should probably get some rest.”
She released a resigned sigh and grabbed Fenn’s claw, steering him toward the bathing chambers. “You’ll get used to him,” she told Jassyn over her shoulder. “Pick any room you like. Except that one,” she hurriedly added, pointing to Lykor’s open door. “On second thought, maybe stay in the one next to mine.”
Jassyn edged toward a doorway, but Fenn didn’t allow him to slink away unnoticed. “Don’t you wish to clean up?”
Jassyn’s hand tightened around the door handle. “I’ll wait until you two are…finished.”
Unbothered, Fenn shrugged.
A sudden chittering mewl drew their attention as Aiko padded out of Lykor’s room. She squinted, surveying the intruders in her tower. In a rustle of leathery wings, she leaned back on her haunches, wiggled twice, then launched into the air. A blur of dark fur, she flew straight at Jassyn, evidently deciding he was most worthy of her attention.
Jassyn’s eyes widened, but he quickly cradled his arms beneath Aiko as she collided into his chest. She planted her tiny paws on his leathers, stretching up to nuzzle under his chin.
“Is this…a vulpintera?” he asked, a chuckle escaping while he stroked the ridge of Aiko’s fluffy back, her wings folding delicately at her sides. “I’ve only seen their skeletons in displays.”
Serenna gave a dismissive sniff, resigned to the fact that the fox-faced bat, as usual, preferred attention from anyone but her. Fenn reached over to scratch the vulpintera’s fuzzy ear, coaxing out a contented purr.
Aiko headbutted Fenn’s palm before she climbed onto Jassyn’s shoulders, curling around his neck. Jassyn startedtoward his claimed bedchamber but hesitated. “She’s Lykor’s, isn’t she?”
“Lykor can’t begrudge her choice of company,” Fenn assured him.
Jassyn’s brow creased like he was about to object, but his shoulders sagged, mirroring Serenna’s own fatigue. Aiko nudged his cheek, dissolving his reluctance. With the vulpintera draped around him, Jassyn retreated into the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Fenn wrapped his claws around Serenna’s waist and pulled her close. His breath was a warm caress against her ear as he murmured, “Now, where were we?”
The husky words sent a shiver down her spine as she caught onto his intentions. Serenna managed a disbelieving laugh as desire flared through the bond. Hours spent entangled in the volcano’s heart and the chaos of near-death clearly hadn’t dulled his stamina.
“We were getting you cleaned up,” Serenna insisted, gripping his arms. But the moment Fenn’s lips grazed the rapid pulse at her throat, her resolve crumbled, a soft gasp escaping. “And then…” Knees weakening, her voice dwindled to a whisper as Fenn’s fangs skimmed over the area where he’d previously bitten her. “And then we’re getting some sleep.”
Fenn pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, a satisfied smirk curving his lips. “We’ll see.”
CHAPTER 7
SERENNA
Fenn scraped his talons along the doorframe as he entered the bathing chambers, bypassing the marble tubs and leading Serenna to the central shower. He twisted the handles affixed to the wall, releasing a cascade of water. The aroma of minerals from springs deep within the fortress filled the air, steam coiling around them and cocooning the room in warmth.
As Serenna peeled off her clothes, Fenn’s burning gaze took her in, the heat of it quickening her pulse. But even as her confidence wavered, she tilted her chin, letting each garment fall one by one.
Her cheeks flushed as Fenn pinned her in place with his simmering stare, shedding his trousers with an infuriating slowness until only a knowing grin remained.
She tore her eyes from his and stepped under the shower, the hot spray a welcome distraction.
Fenn joined her, reaching past to snatch up a bar of lilac-infused soap. Somehow, he’d pried her favorite scent from her and tracked it down from a place she couldn’t fathom.
“You’re covered in more blood,” Serenna argued as he deftly formed a lather.
“Let me,” he countered, sweeping her hair over one shoulder. With careful strokes, he scrubbed the dried crust from her collarbone, erasing the last traces of her wound.
Serenna wanted to argue, but her protest dissolved like the suds under his touch. Fenn moved behind her, the pressure of his claws melting layers of tension.
Biting back a groan, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest, breathing in the floral fragrance. Fenn’s fingers skimmed her skin, tracing a reverent path that left the bond’s power humming.
She bit her lip as guilt pooled in her thoughts. He’d only meant to return her force talent, but in his delirium as he’d hovered near death, he’d unknowingly bonded himself to her instead—and she’d accepted without a second thought.
Fenn stilled the slow, soapy circles, his claw tightening around her hip. “Does something trouble you?” he asked, the connection pulsing with an undercurrent of concern.
“I…” Serenna faltered as she turned to face him. She reached out, resting a hand on his arm. Unable to meet his gaze, she watched rivulets of water trace the contours of his shoulders.
