My voice is steady as I say, “The Deep Guard wouldn’t be alone. I will stay as warden.”
Irahn doesn’t laugh in my face as I thought he might. Instead, one wiry eyebrow raises. “What is going on, Kel? Why would you give up the Blessing to serve here?”
“I am not fit to be High Prince,” I say lowly. “And you’re right. The Below is getting stronger every day. More threats will come. It will take a monster to fight a monster.”
And I know deep within me, I am finally doing what is right.
Keldarion, son of Erivor, was never fit to be High Prince. For it was my actions that led to the awakening of the Great Chasm in the first place.
I know I will never be able to break my curse. But if I pass the Blessing on to Irahn, he at least has a chance to save Winter, to save Castletree.
And no harm will come to Rosalina.
No harm will come tohim.
I shed my clothing and let my body shift, let the beast rip his way out of my flesh, to show my uncle exactly why I cannot keep Winter.
When the white wolf stands before Irahn, he does not flee. His eyes widen and he takes in a sharp breath. “So, the rumors out of Autumn were true. There are beasts in the Briar.”
“What say you now, Uncle?” I growl.
“It’s a fancy trick.” He crosses his arms. “But I don’t trust that you’re capable of being warden yet. Come on then, boy. Let us descend into the bellows of the earth and truly see what you are made of.”
24
Farron
There’s a chill in Rosalina’s room, but then again, there’s a chill in every room of Hammergarden. That’s what building your castle into the literal side of a mountain will do. At night, it’s not so unlike the weather of Autumn.
I drop my satchel on the stone desk and unbutton my vest. It was late when I arrived, having come through Castletree’s mirror. Thankfully, Ezryn had alerted the guards to watch for me, and they escorted me to my mate’s room. As much as I’m eager to check in with Dayton and Ezryn, I know they’ll have secured themselves in their chambers so no one will see them as their wolves.
Kel hasn’t returned. Through the shared mate bond with Rosalina, I can sense he’s still very far away. He must have received the same letter I did. Is he on his way here?
Rosalina makes a soft sound in her sleep. I stride over to the bed, dropping my vest and pulling my tunic over my head.
Despite the cold, my mate has kicked off half the blankets, and her perfect form is on display. She’s wearing a short lacy nightdress, the sharp points of her nipples poking the fabric. Quickly, I drop my trousers and begin to palm my cock. Stars, I could come just looking at her.
But that’s not nearly as fun as what I have in mind. I know she loves these little wake-ups as much as I do. It was something we established when we first arrived back at Castletree, when we were absolutely feral with need. Our schedules didn’t always line up, especially with me being in Autumn so often. But we agreed our bodies belong to the other, no matter when, no matter where. Of course, that came with the trust and love that we can rescind the agreement at any time.
Climbing on to the bed, I spread her legs apart, running a hand along her soft thighs. How sweet it will be for her to wake up, filled by my cock. Will it be as I’m riding her? Or as my pleasure erupts and I’m spilling deep?
I raise the edges of her nightdress so I can gaze at her supple curves, breasts full and prickling with goose flesh.
I lightly palm her breast, and she barely stirs. Must be deep asleep. Damn, I can’t remember anything hotter than the time I awoke in the library to her mouth around my cock. I sputtered awake to see her licking my cum from her lips.
So fucking hot.How did I get so lucky to have a mate like her? Even after all these weeks, I don’t take being a man at night for granted. Especially if it means being able to have her every night.
I pull off her panties and run a finger along her center, feeling her slickness. “So ready for me, Sweetheart.”
I can’t wait another moment. I plunge my cock deep inside her and let out a wild groan as I sink deep into her warmth. She feels so good. Her body twitches slightly, an instinctual movement, but her breath remains heavy.
Bracing my hands on her hips, I try to keep my movements soft and even, but it’s hard not to lose control. My entire body pulses with pleasure at being so near my mate. She moans, eyes moving rapidly beneath her lids.
I bend to kiss her neck and whisper, “You don’t need to wake up, Sweetheart, but I couldn’t wait. I need your body. I need you.”
She takes a deep breath, and a soft, sleepy smile forms on her lips. “Farron.”
I lick along her jawline until I reach her plush lips, all the while continuing my rhythmic movements on her pussy. Her inner walls clench tightly around me.
