Andrik is still asleep, one arm draped over my waist, his breathing deep and even. His strong, steady heartbeat thumps beneath my chest.
I shift slightly, and his scent washes over me.
God.
It’s different than before, stronger, like cinnamon on crack, but with this delicious floral scent underneath. I breathe him in as deep as my lungs will hold, and an idea pops into my head.
He told me yesterday that he felt me touching the forest. That the bond connected us to the land. I wonder if I can control it like he does?
I sit up carefully, not wanting to wake him up yet. I press my palm to the snow beside us and reach with my mind—with the bond, searching for that small thrum of magic.
Come to me.
Nothing happens. I try again and again, but still... nothing.Of course it doesn’t, dumbass. This isn’t The Sorcerer’s Stone.
Snowdrop vines rise from the earth.
Holy shit.
Holy shit.
I stare at the vines hovering in the air, my heart pounds as I watch them sway back and forth. They actually responded to me. I test different commands.Lower. Sway left.
They obey instantly, moving like they’re extensions of my own body. A grin spreads across my face. This is incredible. This is?—
I glance at Andrik, still sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of what I’m discovering.
Oh, the possibilities.
I practice a few more times, getting a feel for it. The vines respond to my thoughts, my intentions.
Time for payback.
“Vael’ka,” I whisper, hoping I’m saying it right. (Bind as mine.)
The vines move, winding around his wrists gently, carefully pulling his arms above his head. More wrap around his ankles, spreading his legs apart.
He shifts in his sleep, but doesn’t stir. I take my time, staring at him for a moment. He’s so beautiful—powerful body bound and laid out for me.
I trail my fingers down the black mating stripe down his chest. His body is so cool, except this one little section. I go lower, tracing the defined lines of his abdomen, watching his cock jump to attention.
“Let’s see how well you handle it,” I murmur.
I crawl over his body until I’m straddling his lap. I roll my hips, grinding his erection through my slickness.
“Lumi—” His voice is rough, thick with sleep. I do it again, and his eyes flutter open. For a moment, he just stares at me dazed and disoriented.
He tries to reach for me, but the vines take hold.
His eyes go wide.
“Lumi, what?—”
“Good morning, my sexy little snow monster,” I murmur, rolling my hips again. “Did you sleep well?”
He tests the restraints, and I see the exact moment he realizes what’s happening.
“You,” his voice hitches. “You called the forest?”
