This was raw and feral and completely us. Always had been. Always would be. There was only now. Me. My fury. And our bodies coming together like this.
She fisted the blankets and with each thrust, released aheady moan. She surrendered completely to me, and there was nothing that could make me love her more than that.
Leaning over her, I stroked her breasts, tugging on and rolling her nipples.
Her body gave way, shuddering beneath mine, and that was all it took for mine to follow. I ignited. I was consumed by her.
Tremors took hold, and I roared as I succumbed to this woman alone.
21
TEMPEST
After, I laid in Vexxion’s arms. There was no place I’d rather be.
I really needed to get up and do something. I wanted to reread the chapter about bonding with dragons because there must be instructions. Imagine being able to bond with a dragon you love.
Seevar.If only my sweet little friend were here with us. If only he were still alive. The king stole his future. Seevar should’ve been given the chance to soar through the skies for years, to retire and grow old in the aerie eating treats and being indulged with endless pats.
This was another reason to hate Ivenrail. My heart cratered, a wide cavern that would never be refilled. Kinart was never coming back, and I was beginning to worry I couldn’t help Reyla. As for Brodine, I hadn’t found a chance to get near him yet. The last thing I wanted to do was drawthe king’s attention, and I hadn’t seen Brodine anywhere other than with the king’s attendants.
After kissing Vexxion, I slid from the bed and washed, returning to the bedroom to dress in leathers. “Do we have time to train?”
Rising onto his elbows, he watched me with that broody look that made me want to climb back into bed with him. But time was slipping away, and I didn’t feel any closer to killing the king than when I first arrived.
“I’m expected in the throne room soon, unfortunately,” he said.
His hair was a tousled crown, evidence of our shared passion. His eyes sparkled like shards of ice, catching the light streaming in through the windows. As I stared at him, I was stunned all over again by his brutal beauty. His scars only added to his appearance, giving him a sharp edge I adored more than I should.
My affection for him was so potent it bordered on reverence. He was my sanctuary and my storm, a bolt of lightning I’d reach up to capture but would never be able to completely claim. He generated a visceral ache within me that was accompanied by a soothing calmness, as if I’d been lost forever and only now found the path that would lead me home.
Loving someone could make you weak. If I lost him, I had no idea how I’d find the will to go on. But love could also make a person stronger. Knowing he loved me sent power coursing through my veins like steel, making me believe anything was possible. He made courage surge through me. He wasn’t myshield but the forge tempering my resolve. We’d find a way to end this nightmare because we’d do it together.
“I need to return to Brenna’s suite in time to help her dress for dinner,” I said. “I’ll practice spells and train alone this afternoon before I leave. And work.”
“In the aerie.” He rose and stretched. I gaped at his gorgeous body, a sculpture crafted by a master of taut sinew and coarse muscle. I’d never stop staring.
“Yes, in the aerie.”
“Take Drask with you.”
“I will. Brenna wants us to join her and the king for dinner.” I strapped on the blade he’d given me, adding a few knives to my thighs. Hard work wasn’t training, per se, but it built my core strength. Maybe I could take the pale blue dragon to a training area and practice those rusty skills. I never knew when I might need to flee. Flitting worked well for short distances, but a loyal dragon could take me to the other end of the continent.
“I’ll be in the dining room as well tonight,” Vexxion said. “Don’t meet the king’s eye.” He padded to the bathing area and returned fully dressed a few moments later to kiss my neck and wrap his arms around me. “The moment you’re allowed to leave, do so.”
“The last thing I want to do is dine withhim.”
“I’ll be watching.”
Guarding me, as always.
“What were you reading when I arrived?” he asked, his lips leaving a trail of passion along my neck.
This man could distract me with one glance. His touch was pure fire.
“A book Reyla had with her before the Claiming.” Should I tell him she stole it? Maybe later. He had things to do, and I didn’t want to hold him back. “She used to adore romance novels. I thought it was one about a Nullen in a forbidden relationship with a fae lord.” I shot him a grin. “Like us.”
“Our relationship is not forbidden.”
