“Why did you flee Braemar with your father?”
“Who turned us in?” She lifts her chin higher. “Perhaps if you answer some of my questions, I might be inclined to answer some of yours. I want to know who reported our escape to your people. I want to know who betrayed us.”
With another growl, I force her into the darkness of the cave. I release her just long enough to light a torch, then I snatch her arm before she has a chance to run away. During the brief scuffle, her small rucksack falls from her back and lands on the ground with a soft thud. She continues glaring at me, but she also keeps trembling.
Those green eyes of hers… gods, they reveal so much depth. So much pain and loss and fear. And resilience. I scarcely know a thing about her, yet I am already drawn to her with a fierceness that steals my breath.
How will our mating bond manifest once we physically consummate our union? My cock thickens in my pants as I imagine stripping off her clothes, laying her down on a bed of furs, and becoming acquainted with every little part of her body. I long to kiss her all over, make her quiver and moan, and sink my shaft deep into her center.
Not releasing her arm, I use the burning torch to light several more torches lining the walls, and it’s not long before the cave is fully illuminated. I cast a brief glance at the supplies,appreciating that there are boxes of nonperishable food, jugs of water, bedrolls, furs, and weapons. We could hole up in this cave for an entire year if we so wished.
I guide Isabel toward a stool near the unlit firepit. “Sit, and don’t you dare move. If you try to flee, I will take great pleasure in tying you up.”
CHAPTER 5
ISABEL
Gideon has found me.My heart races as I watch him build a fire in the center of the cave.
Despite myself, I can’t help but admire his handsome features.
Massively tall and broad-shouldered, he’s the most muscular fae male I have ever beheld. Not that I’ve seen many fae males… but holy gods, he is huge. His leather pants and shirt cling to his body, accentuating every sculpted muscle.
His hair is dark and short, leaving his pointed fae ears on full display. Not that I would need to glimpse his ears to know what he is. Given his size and the lethal aura that radiates from him, I could tell he’s fae with just a passing glance. He also possesses thick, short horns that curve over the back of his head.
My gaze roams over his high cheekbones, regal nose, and strong, square jaw. His skin is much darker than mine and holds a blue glimmer, similar to the way ussha glows on the vegetation in the forest.
Everything about Gideon is magnificent and otherworldly. I can’t seem to stop admiring him. He commands my full attention, and I can’t look away from the huge fae male who is my mate.
May the gods help me.
He grabs a large bedroll, unfurls it, and places it near the fire. Then he adds several furs on top, as though making a large bed for us to share.
My face flames at the thought, and warmth abruptly quakes between my thighs. I resist the urge to squirm on the stool, praying he can’t detect my sudden yearning.
Shock continues to ripple through me. I can’t believe he finally tracked me down. And I can’t believe he saved me from the wolf-bears. I’m still trembling from the encounter with the strange beasts, the creatures I was certain would snatch me into their jaws and make a quick meal of me.
As Gideon approaches, I stare up at him as a thought comes to me. I’m intensely drawn to him, and I’ve been hearing his voice for a while now. I’ve also frequently sensed his presence. But has it been the same for him? Has he heard my voice and sensed my presence?
Does he suspect we’re mates?
He crouches in front of me and grasps my hands. As though reading my thoughts, he says, “I’ve been looking for you, little moth. Ever since the Winter Court army attacked Braemar, I’ve been searching for you. Since the day of the attack, I’ve dreamed of you every night. Your pretty green eyes, your golden hair, and your lovely face. Yet when I stood at the entrance of Braemar Castle on Tribute Day, you never arrived. I waited and watched, but you never came.”
My throat suddenly burns. He looks so earnest. Is it true? Has he really been dreaming about me? I suppose maybe he has and the bond just manifested differently for him. While I’ve beenhearing his voice and sensing his presence, he’s been dreaming about me. If I weren’t so frightened about being fated to a fae male, I might take a moment to marvel at the magic of fae mating bonds.
“You truly dreamed about me?” I ask in a soft murmur.
He nods and tightens his hold on my hands. His fingers are cold like winter, yet I don’t wish to recoil from his touch. Despite my fear, I find myself scooting closer, wanting to feel the seductive chill of his breath on my neck. When his breath finally caresses my face and neck, I nearly whimper with the pleasure of it. Oh, gods. How can I be so drawn to him?
“Yes, little moth, I dreamed about you. Did you dream about me? Did you sense me in any way?” A suspicious gleam enters his dark eyes. “Is that why you ran… because you sensed I was in Braemar?”
I suck in a shaky breath, unsure how to respond. He knows we are mates, and I suppose that means he won’t be inclined to let me go, no matter how I answer his questions. But will he be angry if he learns I was running awayfrom him? Will he take that anger out on my father?
“I will answer your questions if you guarantee the safety of my father,” I say in a tone so bold I shock myself.
A wry grin turns the corners of his lips up, ever so briefly, and his eyes dance with humor. His eyes also glint with what I think is fae cruelty. He doesn’t like that I haven’t answered all his questions yet. He’s growing impatient. I can sense it.
“You are in no position to make demands, little moth.” He leans closer, and all traces of humor vanish from his face. “You are my captive.”
