Saxon nods, a tight grin on his face. “I never would have thought.”
“Nor I.”
His head tips to the side. “But, if the Seven Kingdoms are now ruled by the klericy—” He pauses again. “Roule was always religious. Certainly, far more religious than Treacher or me. Still, I never thought his loyalties could shift so abruptly.” He draws another long breath, and his chest hair catches more sunlight. “I suppose one can never truly know someone. Even after close to thirty years.”
I consider his words. I’ve known Saxon and Tynan a much shorter time than that—Zogar for even less time. And yet I feel like I know all three of the men even better than I know my own heart. And even if Tynan’s remained in Khotor, it doesn’t mean he’s a traitor.
If I’ve learned anything, I’ve learned that I can’t take time with any of these men for granted, especially in a world so unstable. It feels like a lifetime since I’ve been with Saxon or Tynan, and I know even more time has passed for them.
A sense of certainty washes through me. I do care about Zogar’s feelings—deeply. But I can’t keep my distance from Saxon today. If Zogar wanted to prevent it, he’d never had told me to follow Saxon. Or he would have set some ground rules first.
My heart swells, heating my body inside and out. At least I’ve madeonedecision. After we finish talking, I’m going to kiss Saxon; I’m going to touch him; I’m going to let him touch me. And if his body is strong enough, I’ll make love to him as if it’s our very last time.
CHAPTER 45
Rosomon
Saxon and I brief each other on more of what happened over the time we were separated. Although it was longer for him—months versus days—more events transpired for me because he was locked in a dungeon.
I tell him about the Shadow Council, about Zogar’s hoard, about the Elf Overlord’s home and the one Zogar and I shared so high in the sky. But I skip over some details about Gabreal and the vampyre club, and don’t mention how Zogar declared his love for me.
Over the time that we’ve talked, we’ve been touching each other gently, and my need for Saxon has multiplied. I feel certain that his need has grown too. His erection softened while I told him details about the Darkness, and about the source of the large scar on my belly, but the moment I touch his thigh, it returns full force.
“Let’s move off this rock.” His thumb strokes my cheek. “Let’s find somewhere more comfortable.”
I nod, letting him help me up, even though I still feel it should be me helping him. We walk hand in hand to a spot near the edge of the waterfall. There, we discover a soft bed of moss and pine needles at the edge of the cliff.
“This looks lovely.”
He grins. “I saw it when I was in stag form.”
“Did you know you’d be able to shift in the Light?”
He shakes his head. “I had an intuition. But the moment I entered the forest, I knew for sure, and I just let it happen.” He pulls me into his arms, and his erection presses deliciously against my body. “Is this okay?”
I nod as I look up into his eyes. “I’m worried about your injuries. And your strength. Have you eaten since your escape?”
“I ate some foliage and berries when I was a stag, but the only thing I truly crave right now is you.”
My entire body flutters in tune with my heart, and slickness seeps onto my upper thighs. I’ve been sexually aroused many, many times at this point, but this feels even stronger, deeper, more profound. I want Saxon on so many levels that go beyond sexual.
But I’m still worried. After we emerged from the water, I spotted very raw skin on his ankle, and he has other bruises and cuts. He understated how he suffered.
I step back from him. “Stand there.” I point toward a spot near the cliff. “Before we go any further, I need to inspect you to be certain you’re fit.”
“Inspect me?” He chuckles.
I fight my own mirth. “Yes.” Standing firm, I try to look stern. “You claim you’re not hurt, but I see chafing at your ankle, bruises around your ribs and on your legs.”
He nods. “How shall I present myself for inspection?” he asks, clearly trying to suppress a grin.
“I’ll start with your back. Put your hands against the cliff.”
Grinning he turns and leans forward. “Like this?” He looks over his shoulder.
“Eyes forward. Spread your legs wider. I want to seeeverything.” And I do want to see everything. Even if he weren’t hurt, I’d want to study every part of Saxon.
I explored his form, over the time we were in Lymbo, but I’ve never had a chance to learn Saxon in the way that I plan to now.
