I pull back just enough to look into his eyes.
They’re black, completely blown, swallowing the blue until his gaze is nothing but a dark, endless void.
Crystals crawl up the headboard behind him, fracturing the wood in crooked, silver veins.
“Does that feel good?” I whisper.
He doesn’t even try to speak. He just stares at me with those wild, dark eyes.
I lean in again, but this time, Isuckthe whole length of his fang into my mouth, swirling my tongue over the smooth surface.
“Veyr’thral ves’korum—” The words break into a shattered moan as his head jerks back, pulling hard against the restraints. (You own me.)
The sharp tug makes him shudder, and I realize—every time he moves, he pulls against his antlers, and it’s driving him insane.
My gaze shifts down, watching the way his chest heaves.
“You’re so beautiful like this,” I murmur.
His eyes snap to mine, “Thaev’kai ves lûn... draeth ves tharin.” (I’m begging you... take what’s already yours.)
“Shh.” I press a finger to his lips. “You wanted to prove you want me. That it’s not just the bond, right?”
He nods frantically.
“Then let me touch you.” My hand drifts lower down his chest. “Let me see you.”
I reach the waistband of his pants.
He’s straining against the fabric. I can see the outline of him—thick, hard, pressing uncomfortably against the leather.
My breath catches.
I’ve never... I mean, Iknowwhat’s under there, logically. But I’ve never actuallyseenit.
Slowly, I loosen the ties. He’s breathing so hard he sounds like he’s going to hyperventilate.
When I finally peel the fabric away, I?—
Oh.
He’s... it’s beautiful.
I don’t know what I expected. Something monstrous, maybe. Alien. But this?—
Pale blue like the rest of the skin underneath his fur. Flushed darker at the head, almost indigo, and it’sglowing.
Holy shit. He’s bigger than I thought possible. No wonder he was stretching me with his tail. This thing is never going to fit.
There are raised ridges spiraling up his length in an intricate pattern, like snowflakes carved into his skin.
And near the base?—
“What is that?” I whisper, fingertips hovering over the thick swell.
He’s panting, jaw flexed, eyes flickering beneath half-lowered lashes.
“Vreskaeth—the... I can’t think of your word.”
