I sank to my knees against the rocky perimeter; pain didn’t matter when I possibly had the solution at my fingertips. I’d been so busy trying to force the thick liquid to the surface, I hadn’t considered what created the seep to begin with. It wasn’t the pull that caused the natural anomaly—it was the pressure from the land itself.
Col stood behind me, his presence too great not to notice despite his silence. I forced my magic down, pushing into the earth to create pressure and tension among the stone. Forcing nearly every drop of magic I held, I beckoned each layer to compress and constrict against the layer below.
Stars pricked the outer corners of my vision as I continued to work. I closed my eyes, not wanting anything to distract me. Breathing through each stuttering breath, I focused on the task.
Using more magic than I ever had was both exhausting and intoxicating. I teetered on the edge of my limits and embraced the steep cliff waiting on the other side.
Sweat tracked down the sides of my face, and my heart picked up. I’d nearly hit my limit when life beckoned from the land. Buzzing tingled in my hands, and a gurgle erupted from the thick pool in front of me. I opened my eyes to find the center bubbling. I’d done it—we’d done it.
His arms wrapped around me, pulling me up and into him. “You did it! I knew you could.”
“We did.” My breath heaved as if I’d just climbed the mountain itself. “The answer was pressure—beautiful things come from pressure, right?”
I brought my hands to his thick forearms and loosened his grip so I could turn and admire the bubbling crude. He wrapped his arms around my chest and pulled me in tight. Tilting my head back, I let him support me as I listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat, convincing my own to slow and mimic each thud.With his steady breath, my own relaxed, bringing me back to the calm of the quiet night.
“Take me home, Col,” I breathed, my body nearly limp from exhaustion. In one smooth motion, he scooped me up and carried me to Zalzre. Throwing me over his shoulder, he climbed the wyvern and then brought me to his chest. My eyes instinctively closed as I leaned into the solid wall of a man protecting me from the world.
I’d nearly fallen asleep on the ride home, even with the wind whipping around us. I slid off the wyvern into the awaiting hands below, allowing Col to guide me to a gentle stop.
“Let me make you dinner,” Col said, leading me into the townhouse. “You must be starved.”
Removing his jacket, he turned to face me and held out a hand expecting I’d already taken off my own. But the world wavered, exhaustion edging not only my mind, but my limbs.
He stepped closer, slow and deliberate. His eyes softened as his fingers found the silver leash of my jacket. They glided along the leather, the heat of my skin burning just beneath. Slowly, he eased the zipper down—one inch at a time—his gaze never straying from mine.
My pulse stumbled as I happily slid out of the garment, watching the corner of his mouth tick up.
“Make meyourdinner.” I looked up under my lashes. “Hungry?”
The invitation couldn’t possibly be more straightforward, and I wasn’t sure he would take it. But in an instant he lifted me up and started climbing the stairs.
14
AUDRYN
Col didn’t falter for even a moment as he ascended each step at a steady pace; I settled into the side of his neck and breathed in his heavy, addicting scent. His breath stuttered the second I lost all restraint, letting my mouth explore his skin. He fumbled for the knob, carried us into his room, and kicked the door shut.
“Are you sure?” Col set me on the bed with such gentleness, he must’ve thought I might break.
“More than I’ve ever been,” I breathed and arched my back slightly, letting my hand slide down between my legs. I kept my focus on him and watched as he tracked the movement before drawing his attention back to my face.
“You’re not too tired?” He frowned, his gaze scanning.
“Do Ilooktoo tired?” I brought my hand up to my mouth and seductively swirled my tongue around a finger. Diving my other hand behind the material of my waistband, I found my clit.
Half a breath later, his lips were on mine, tongue soft and slow, taking time to roam my mouth. Kissing him was something I wasn’t quite used to. There was need and passion, but itwasn’t frantic and full of lust. With each flick, it felt as if he were pouring his soul into me rather than just taking what he wanted.
I flexed to reach for his length through his black leather pants. But with a quick, deliberate motion, he grasped my wrist and pulled it above my head. His hand slid down, searching for my other arm. When he found it, he guided it up to meet the other. Gripping both wrists in one hand, he pulled away and gazed down at me.
Seeing his eyes flash black, I gasped as fear overtook my desire.
“Please don’t be scared.” He slid the back of his free hand over my cheek and winced. “My magic is tied closely to my emotions, and I can’t suppress my feelings for you. We can stop if you’d like.” Col looked away, closing his eyes and bracing himself for the impact of rejection.
Taking in a deep inhale, I shifted up and pressed my cheek against his. “Don’t stop,” I breathed. “I’m not scared of you.” His gaze returned to me as I let my head drop back onto the bed.
He lowered his mouth onto my neck, sucking gently before sinking his teeth into me. My core went molten as he tugged, sending the most delicious bolt of pain soaring through me. Lining my jaw in gentle kisses, he moved to the other side, carefully paying attention to every piece of my body. When he moved to the nape of my neck, I let loose a giggle from the tickle.
“That’s my favorite sound in all of Crofea,” he whispered. Tugging my shirt up and over my head, he sat up and assessed. “You’re absolutely stunning, and I’ll savor each second I get with you.”
