The water around us starts to crackle and pop, and fearing for her delicate human skin, I walk us out of the now-scathing heated lake, lips still locked, and lay her body on the makeshift bed of leaves I prepared earlier.
This is not what I had in mind when I made this bed for us, but it is certainly not unwelcome.
She clings to my shoulders and waist, exploring all the edges of my mouth and I hers as we rub and grind on each other to vent some of the inferno started in the lake.
Suddenly, two small, delicate hands push at my chest, and I listen to my mate’s cue by dismantling my lips.
We both breathe heavily into the small space. “We cannot bond here,” she huffs out, looking thoroughly dishevelled with reddened lips and flushed cheeks. Utter perfection.
Giving her space, I shift onto my elbow and lie next to her.
“When we are in Terra?” I look expectantly down at her, and she nods. I’ve never needed something so much from anyone before, but I don’t want to pressure her. I will not be that person to my mate.
It feels like the first time all over again. My nerves almost take hold like I’m sixteen with a crush, dreaming of returned affection as I gaze adoringly down at her.
Sensing my apprehension, Dove shifts on her side and grips the side of my face with her palm. “Thank you,” she says. I look down at her, confused, and she gives me a timid smile, even though we are completely naked next to one another. “For listening to me.”
Her words strike me, and the bond tells me more than I care to feel about the agony in her heart.
“I will always listen to you, Princess Dove.” Running my hands up her naked thigh and hip, I find her hair, twirling it around in my hands, languidly taking in every inch of her honey smell, her enchanting eyes and her perfect heart.
We kiss until the light is fully gone, and only the moon illuminates us.
thirty-one
Dove
Was I going toleave?
Yes.
Did I leave?
No.
Rivern is barely able to take his eyes or his hands off of my body since our make out session by the lake. The only reprieve I receive is when I have to relieve myself. He at least has the decency to turn his back, but that is the only compromise he is willing to make during ourjourney.
Damnable fae prince with his alluring eyes and heart-wrenching dimples.
His presence continues to grow on me as we traverse the uneven terrain. Memories of our kisses in and by the lake linger within my thought field, my body a torrent of unbridled desire, begging for more.
The wisps, our constant companions, support us through the landscape, making for a smoother journey than Rivern experienced. I just hope the creatures are as helpful for my fellow human travellers as they are for us.
“So, that’s it, huh?” I gaze upon an all-embracing mountain ridge as wide and tall as the eye can see. Even the mountain range circling Haven doesn’t bleed into the sky like this behemoth does. All exposed rock, barely a touch of foliage.
“Yes, my Dove, this is your new home.” His arm squeezes gently around my waist, and I crumble a little more at this new fondness. The perfume he radiates is more pungent to my nose now that I’ve rubbed up against his glorious naked body. If anything, now, I also smell the hint of vanilla honey on him as well.
We have exchanged no more kisses since the strange, reflective lake. An unspoken rule. Just the thought of his lips touching mine is enough to set me ablaze. His wandering hands, as they rub my thighs and tickle my waist, are about all I can handle as we ride Mage. And each night, he holds me so close that my body forgets how to move, so content in his warm embrace.
My whole life, people have discarded me. My father, the high priestess, Castor. Knowing this male, my bonded, is willing to wait for me helps rebuild the trust I’ve long given up on feeling for another.
Mage walks us up a steep and narrow path, making my blood thump heavily in my chest.
Reaching a small landing, one side rock and the other a deathly drop, Rivern asks, “Do you see it?”
“See what?” My eyes wander around the rock he’s pointing at, but I see nothing.
“Look closer.” Mage shifts restlessly underneath us, and I follow Rivern’s finger.
