I woke in a panic,finding Jessamine gone. I’d slept far later than normal, and now I feared the worst. My first thought was that I’d demanded too much of her, that I shouldn’t have pushed so hard, that I’d frightened her so much she’d run away. But as soon as I’d jerked on some trousers and boots then gone in search of her, I smelled her on the wind nearby.
She was in the communal cave cooking with Shearah. I’d frozen when I stepped into the cave to see her gorgeous hair piled on her head, exposing her delicate throat, sweat on her brow and bosom. I wanted to lick her from head to toe.
Instead, I pulled her aside and chastised her for leaving without waking me. She snapped back with some smart comment that had me jerking her close and kissing her senseless. I didn’t care that Gweeda and Shearah got a good look at how far gone their lord was for the light fae female that we were supposed to be sheltering only for the winter season. I knew I’d have to hold a kella’mir and announce our mating to the council soon.
Right now, I wanted to enjoy her, to seal our newly formed bond. After my overly aggressive kiss that left her panting, she sent me away so that she could finish cooking for the night’s meal. Satisfied that I could smell her arousal with one kiss, I let her be.
Still, I felt itchy all day. It wasn’t until after I’d done my rounds with all of the warriors on guard, checked the perimeters for any sign of danger or intruders, and I was walking back to the cave for dinner that I realized what it was.
She didn’t have my bite, my mark on her skin. I hadn’t wanted to overwhelm her by biting her the first time we had sex, the first time she’d ever had sex. A growl rumbled in my belly at the satisfaction of taking her for the first time. I wanted her all the time. Every minute of the day, I needed her near me, her scent to surround me.
Perhaps that’s why I was so on edge when I finally opened the flap into the cave. The light laughter and chatter of the clan eased my tension, but only a little. Bowden, ever the talented musician, played his flute, some of the young females dancing while we awaited dinner.
My gaze found Jessamine at once. She was setting bowls of stew out on the high table. Sorka, Bes, and some others were helping. I strode toward my usual seat to the left of the bench where Bezaliel sat, Tessa and Saralyn beside him, along with Brohm, Leifkyn, and Dayn.
“So good to have you join us, my lord,” said Dayn.
“Yes, we haven’t seen you all day. What’s been keeping you so busy?” Leifkyn’s tone was mocking.
“I am the lord of this clan. Therefore, I spent the day ensuring the borders of our camp are well-protected.”
And pining for my mate who’d made herself absent from me all day. I itched to march across the room and delve my fingers into her hair. She was mussed, a smudge of ash from the fire onher cheek, and yet, she was the most beautiful creature I’d ever laid eyes on.
“Ah, that’s where you were, of course,” said Leifkyn. Again, his tone was mocking.
“Looks like we have a new cook in the kitchens,” said Dayn. “I didn’t know the princess had such talents.”
I didn’t bother to remark. They were goading me, and I knew it. I crossed my arms, leaning back against the cave wall, stretching my legs out and crossing my ankles as well.
“I’ll bet she’s very talented in many ways,” added Leifkyn.
I growled at that. “Watch it.”
Bezaliel chuckled while Tessa rolled her eyes, bouncing Saralyn in her arms.
Leifkyn merely smiled wider. “Interesting fact. I noticed that Jessamine smells different today.”
“Is it all the spices she’s been cooking with?” asked Dayn in a forced, casual manner.
“I don’t think so. She smells a bit masculine, if you ask me.”
“Mmm, I know what you mean.” Dayn made a show of staring at Jessamine across the room where she was carrying two bowls of stew to the council members. “She smells almost like a beast fae.”
“Almost,” continued Leifkyn. “Though I couldn’t tell you whose scent she’s wearing.”
I leaned forward, elbows on my knees, and glared at Leifkyn. “If you don’t shut your mouth, pup, I’m going to shut it for you.”
The bloody bastard laughed. Bezaliel leaned closer and asked in a lower voice, “So I was right, wasn’t I? She’s your mate.”
I nodded, to Leifkyn and Dayn’s utter glee. Haslek, one of my younger warriors who overheard, stared wide-eyed and almost panicked. I pointed a finger at him.
“Keep this to yourself. I will tell the council when it is time. Until then, I don’t want rumors circulating around camp.”
“Too late for that,” whispered Tessa. “They saw you kiss her last night. Unfortunately, no one thinks she is your mate. They think she is your bedmate and that alone.”
The mood sobered quickly, my inner beast growling with menace in my chest. It was Bezaliel who spoke first after a tense silence.
“You should’ve bitten her. That’s what I did the minute I knew Tessa was mine. Then there’s no question from anyone else.”
